POM Plastic CNC Processing Guide

Polyoxymethylene homopolymer (POM) is an impact and abrasion resistant semi-crystalline thermoplastic used in a wide variety of machining applications. It is favored by machinists for its excellent material properties and high processability.

Although inherently opaque, POM is available in a variety of colors. It has a density of 1.410-1.420 g/cm3, a crystallinity of 75-85%, and a melting point of 175°C. It is also available in a variety of colors.

POM (polyoxymethylene) is an excellent engineering plastic, which is widely used in various industrial fields due to its high strength, high rigidity, wear resistance, etc. POM is usually used in the manufacture of high-precision, high-load and wear-resistant parts and components;

Mechanical parts: gears, bearings, hinges, brackets, etc.

Electronic device components: plugs, sockets, switches, etc.

Automotive components: fuel injectors, fuel pumps, air conditioning fan blades, etc.

Medical devices: handles, clamps, brackets, etc.

Plastic products: bottle caps, garbage cans, etc.

In addition, POM materials can also be used for injection molding, cutting, extrusion, molding and other processing methods.

POM is well suited for machining, such as milling and lathing. It can also be laser cut and its pellets can be used for injection molding and plastic extrusion.

We will focus on the characteristics of this material and the advantages of CNC machining this material.

Electrical Characteristics

POM has excellent thermal insulating properties, which, combined with its excellent mechanical strength, makes POM an excellent material for electronic components.

POM can also withstand a great deal of electrical stress, making it suitable for use as a high-voltage insulator. Its low moisture absorption also makes it an excellent material for keeping electronic components dry.

Mechanical Strength

POM has a tensile strength of 7,000-9,000 PSI, is also very hard and tough, and is less dense than metal. This makes it suitable for lightweight parts that need to withstand high pressures.

Fatigue Resistance

POM is a very durable material with excellent resistance to fatigue failure in the -40° to 80°C temperature range. In addition, its fatigue resistance is less affected by moisture, chemicals or solvents. This property makes it an ideal material for parts that need to withstand repeated impacts and stresses.

Impact Resistance

POM can withstand instantaneous impacts without failure, largely due to its very high toughness, and specially treated POM can provide even greater impact resistance.

Good dimensional stability

Dimensional stability measures the ability of a material to maintain its normal dimensions after exposure to pressure, temperature and other conditions during processing.POM does not deform during processing and is well suited for cutting operations where precise tolerances can be achieved.

Friction Properties

Moving mechanical parts are often lubricated to minimize the friction that occurs when they rub against each other.Pom machined Parts are inherently slippery and do not require lubrication. This feature can be used as part of machinery where an external lubricator could contaminate the product, such as food processing machines.

Robustness

POM's high tensile strength and durability make it a suitable material for highly stressed applications.POM is so strong that it is often used as an alternative to steel and aluminum alloys.

Moisture Resistant

POM absorbs very little moisture, even in the wettest conditions. This means it maintains its structural integrity even in underwater applications.

Creep Resistance

POM is a very tough material that can withstand a great deal of stress without failing. This outstanding durability makes it the material of choice for parts in many industries.

Electrical Insulation

POM is an excellent insulator. Due to this property, it is used in many electronic products.

Disadvantages of POM

Low adhesion

Due to its chemical resistance, POM does not react well to adhesives, making it difficult to bond.

Flammable

POM is not self-extinguishing and will burn until no more oxygen is available. Extinguishing a POM fire requires a Class A fire extinguisher.

Heat Sensitive

Processing POM at high temperatures can cause distortion