Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a high performance engineering plastic used for the fabrication of acetal plastic parts like gears, cams, bearings and bushings. Acetal homopolymer and acetal copolymer are two types of acetal material used for the production of these parts. Both materials have good mechanical and thermal properties that include superior wear, heat and chemical resistance. However, acetal copolymer is more suitable for applications like hot food processing where the product will be subjected to high temperatures, steam or hot water.

Manufacturers utilize acetal plastic that comes as bar or sheet stock for the machining of precision parts because of its good machining properties and dimensional stability. Acetal plastic is available in special grades that provide better wear, mechanical and electrical properties. The automotive industry uses acetal plastic in applications that include carburetor components and automotive handles.

Whether you require information about acetal plastic parts, are searching for acetal fabricated plastic parts or wish to compare prices for acetal plastic materials, there are many options available to help you find your particular business need, including:

1. Utilize online resources to find information on acetal plastic.

2. Purchase acetal plastic parts.

3. Find vendors of acetal plastic materials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for acetal plastic parts and materials to meet your design requirements

If you are searching to buy acetal parts or materials, need information or prices for acetal plastic then browse through online directories available to help you narrow down choices and meet your application needs. For some applications, you may also need to know the various properties and the correct grade of acetal plastic to use to meet certain requirements. Find what you need by utilizing the right resources.

I recommend: ThomasNet provides information on acetal plastic manufacturers of materials and products; it includes companies that specialize in the machining of acetal parts. There are 200+ companies but you can narrow down your selection by state. Visit the companies’ websites or contact each company for price quotes. At GlobalSpec, you can search the online directories for suppliers by specifications, find materials data sheets and compare prices by visiting different company websites. Go to MatWeb for acetal product data sheets on more than 800 grades of acetal homopolymer and acetal copolymer; you can also search by performance criteria for any application need. There are also listings of manufacturers and different trade names for acetal.

Select manufacturers to buy acetal plastic parts for a specific application

Whether you need acetal plastic gears, bearings or bushing, find companies that carry a good selection of products or that can make prototypes and custom parts specifically for your requirements.

I recommend: Connecticut Plastics manufactures acetal plastic parts with emphasize on precision-machined plastic parts for many applications that include bearings, gears and bushings. At WS Hampshire, you can find a good selection of industrial plastic parts from ½-inch to 50-inch diameters and a variety of lengths for many applications. Woods Manufacturing specializes in acetal/delrin plastic parts made to customer specifications. For acetal plastic parts prototyping services, go to Protomold. The company offers design guidelines, different material selections and custom colors for prototypes.

Find suppliers of acetal plastic materials for your manufacturing needs

If you need to get acetal plastic materials for your business then buy from suppliers that carry a wide selection of acetal materials (copolymer, homopolymer or brand name like Delrin) in various grades to meet any design requirements.

I recommend: Industrial Plastic Supply offers acetal sheets and rods in many brands and sizes for many uses. San Diego Plastics carries acetal sheet and rod products in various grades. Plastics International offers homopolymer and copolymer acetal products for various industrial applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Additives like PTFE, carbon fibers and silicone can enhance the wear, mechanical and electrical properties of acetal plastic materials.