POM (Polyoxymethylene), often categorized as an engineering plastic, stands out with a range of enhanced material properties compared to many other types of thermoplastics. These improved characteristics make POM a preferred choice.
What is POM?
POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal, is a thermoplastic polymer material famous for its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. It is a versatile engineering material commonly used in the manufacture of mechanical components and in engineering applications. At Carmo, POM is the material of choice where low friction and dimensional stability matter: for example in security snap fasteners and modular-valve accessories moulded in Denmark.
POM is characterized by its high dimensional stability and low friction coefficient, making it ideal for manufacturing moving parts such as gears, bearings, and various precision components in machinery and equipment. It also has good resistance to chemicals and solvents, which further extends its range of applications.
Another key property of POM is its low moisture absorption, meaning it maintains its stability and dimensions in humid environments. This is particularly important in applications where precision is required under varying environmental conditions.
How Does Carmo Use POM?
Carmo uses POM material in applications such as security snap fasteners, coin groove cap for weldable flange, and can also offer custom plastic components for both the medical industry and technical applications. These solutions can be manufactured in most plastic materials, including Polyoxymethylene. As specialists in injection molding, we can advise our customers on which plastic type is most suitable for their specific component.
Applications of POM
Due to the above-mentioned properties, POM is frequently used in the automotive industry, in the manufacture of electrical components, in household appliances, and in many other fields where durable and precise plastic components are required. Overall, POM is highly valued across many industries for its strength, durability, and versatility.
The majority of POM components are injection-molded for industries including machinery/transport, electrotechnics, furniture, and leisure sectors.
POM is not particularly UV-resistant, meaning it can degrade or age faster when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is an important consideration, especially when POM is used in outdoor applications.
To overcome this limitation and improve UV resistance, POM can be stabilized with UV absorbers. UV absorbers help absorb harmful UV rays and prevent them from breaking down the polymer’s structure. Carmo typically recommends UV-stabilised POM grades, or an alternative polymer, when a component will live outdoors.
