Delrin (Acetal / POM)
✓ Food Safe
⬡ Chemical Resistant
Overview
Polyoxymethylene (Delrin/Acetal) — the precision engineering plastic. Exceptionally consistent density, low friction, excellent dimensional stability, and machines to tight tolerances with a beautiful surface finish. The go-to for precision mechanical components, gears, and bushings.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Enclosure
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Excellent machinability — tight tolerances achievable
- Very low friction — self-lubricating
- Outstanding dimensional stability
- Good impact and fatigue resistance
- Low moisture absorption
- Great surface finish
- Chemical resistant to fuels and solvents
Cons
- Cannot be welded or bonded easily with adhesives
- Creep under high sustained load
- Flammable — do not use near sustained heat sources
- Not suitable for outdoor UV exposure
- Formaldehyde off-gassing at machining temperatures
Best For
- Precision gears and sprockets|Bearings and bushings|Valve bodies|Insulators|Sliding guides|Food machinery components|Mechanical linkages
Avoid For
- Outdoor UV-exposed parts|High-temperature environments|Strong acids|Applications needing adhesive bonding