Polyacetal FM090 (POM)

Polyoxymethylene (POM), sometimes called Polyformaldehyde or Acetal, with the commercial name of Hostaform is the most important Polyacetal. Polyoxymethylene is an intrinsically opaque white, highly crystalline thermoplastic that is known for its high flexural and tensile strength, stiffness, hardness, and low creep under stress.

POM has a low coefficient of friction, excellent chemical resistance and outstanding fatigue properties, but only moderate heat stability and insufficient flame resistance.

Polyacetal and its copolymers are often an excellent choice for applications that require low friction, tight tolerances, and high impact and creep resistance. POM can be processed by all common methods used for thermoplastics. Polyoxymethylene can be economically injection molded to even extremely intricate parts.

Rubber-toughened and fiberglass-reinforced grades of Polyacetal are also available. These grades are used for more demanding applications where higher impact and flexural strength and/or increased stiffness and hardness are required.

Applications:

Polyoxymethylene is a high-volume engineering plastic. POM is known for its high dimensional stability, hardness, and creep resistance. These qualities allow Polyacetal to be used as a replacement for metal parts. The polymer serves as an alternative to metals due to its low friction and wear characteristics as well as its excellent balance of mechanical and chemical properties.

Along with its copolymer resins, Polyoxymethylene is widely used as an engineering plastic across almost every industry. This includes mechanical, automotive, plumbing, hardware, and machinery parts as well as electronic and electrical components.

Some examples of application of POM are machinery parts such as gears, bearings, rollers, conveyor chains, pump and filter housings, airflow valve fittings and valves; parts in the transportation industry such as fuel pump and filter housings, cooling-fan parts, fuel caps, door handles, steering column - gear shift assemblies, cranks of sliding sunroofs, windshield wiper clips and windshield washer nozzles.

Polyoxymethylene is used in household appliances and tools such as food mixer parts, water sprinkler nozzles, shower heads, furniture joints, parts in coffee-making machines, knife and tool handles; and in drug delivery such as dry powder inhaler, insulin syringe and electrical tooth brush.

Safety and Storage:

Do not get Polyoxymethylene on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. POM may cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract with pain, burns, and inflammation. Polyacetal may cause anosmia (loss of smell). Inhalation of high concentrations of Polyoxymethylene may cause pulmonary edema.

Keep POM away from heat and flame. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store Polyoxymethylene in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep containers tightly closed. Keep Polyacetal away from strong bases.