Polyoxymethylene (POM)

Also referred to as polyacetal. Frequently used a technical structural material in injection moulding and extrusion. Good toughness, strength and rigidity. Good sliding and abrasion properties. For these reasons, POM is a preferred material for movable plastic structures such as gearboxes, articulated joints and bearings. This is aided by the low surface tension of the POM which large prevents other materials from sticking to the polyacetal. However, these properties make POM unsuitable for fibre reinforcement. POM must be activated before bonding or printing, preferably by plasma activation. POM is known under the trade names Delrin (DuPont) and Hostaform (Ticona, formerly Hoechst).