Description
What Is POM? (Quick Intro to Röchling Sustarin® C)
POM stands for polyoxymethylene—also called polyacetal—an engineering thermoplastic known for low friction, minimal moisture uptake, and excellent dimensional stability.
In Röchling’s portfolio:
Sustarin® C = POM-C (copolymer) → better thermal and chemical stability in hot water and industrial environments.
Sustarin® H = POM-H (homopolymer) → slightly higher stiffness and strength where rigidity is the top priority.
If you’re after European-standard POM rod with consistent quality, Sustarin® C is a safe choice for a wide range of industrial parts.
Best Uses & Benefits of POM (Acetal) Rods
- Low friction & wear: Ideal for bushings, gears, and sliding rails.
- Dimensional stability & low moisture absorption: Reliable performance even in humid conditions.
- Excellent machinability: Clean turning and milling, predictable chip formation.
- Good strength & stiffness: Handles load and creep well at typical service temps.
- Solid chemical resistance: Withstands oils, fuels, and many solvents.
- Premium surface finish: Polishes well; parts look uniform and professional.
POM-C vs POM-H (Sustarin® C vs Sustarin® H)
|
Property |
POM-C (Sustarin® C) |
POM-H (Sustarin® H) |
|
Structure |
Copolymer |
Homopolymer |
|
Stiffness/Strength |
High |
Slightly higher |
|
Thermal stability in hot water |
Better |
Lower than C |
|
Chemical resistance |
Generally better |
Lower than C |
|
Machinability |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Typical use case |
Hot water/industrial fluids, moving assemblies |
Parts where max rigidity and precision dominate |
For most general projects, POM-C / Sustarin® C is the safer default—unless you absolutely need maximum stiffness.
Common Applications of POM Rod
- Motion/Power transmission: Gears, racks & pinions, light pulleys
- Linear/sliding units: Bushes, rollers, sliders, wear strips
- Jigs & fixtures: Locating elements with tight tolerances
- Pumps & valves: Rotors, seal carriers, oil-resistant components
- Food/Pharma equipment: In approved grades for direct/indirect contact (choose the right grade)
- Electromechanical: Small gears, cable guides, housings
Key Technical of POM Rod
Values below are typical ranges for POM and can vary by grade/color/manufacturer.
- Density: ~1.38–1.42 g/cm³
- Rigidity & modulus: High stiffness with strong flexural properties
- Continuous service temperature: Typically up to ~100 °C (higher short-term)
- Coefficient of thermal expansion: Moderate—budget for it in tolerance stacks
- Water absorption (24 h): Very low → stable dimensions
- Tribology: Low coefficient of friction; inherently “self-lubricating” feel
POM (Acetal) Machining Tips for Superior Surface Finish
- Use sharp carbide tooling with positive rake.
- Medium/high cutting speeds with controlled feed; avoid localized heat build-up.
- Light cooling (air or suitable coolant) to minimize warping.
- Deburr/chamfer edges to reduce stress concentrations.
- Threading: Prefer inserts/helicoils; direct threads in plastic are only for light loads.
- Assembly: Mechanical fastening is preferred; bonding POM is difficult without specialized primers.
Sizing, Lengths & Tolerances
- Common diameters: ~6 to 300 mm (subject to stock and ordering).
- Rod lengths: Typically 1 m or 3 m; custom cutting is standard.
- Diameter tolerance: Per semi-finished plastic standards; apply final tolerances by machining for precision parts.
- Colors: Natural (milky), black, and specials; black generally offers better UV stability.
Chemical & Environmental Resistance of Polyacetal
- Resistant to: Oils, fuels, many hydrocarbons, and saline solutions.
- Use with caution: Strong alkalis, strong acids, chlorinated environments (risk of chain degradation).
- Outdoor/UV: Choose UV-stabilized grades or black color.
- Food contact: Only with certified grades suited to your compliance regime.
Buying POM Rod in Dubai — Nordio Plastic (Röchling Germany)
Nordio Plastic imports Röchling Germany products in Dubai and can supply POM rods under the Sustarin® C trade name across a wide range of diameters and lengths.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between Sustarin® C and “regular” POM?
Sustarin® C is Röchling’s POM-C (copolymer)—generally better stability in hot water and improved chemical resistance versus POM-H.
Is POM rod suitable for precision parts?
Yes. Low moisture uptake and dimensional stability make it ideal for gauges, fixtures, and tight-tolerance components.
Which grade is better for hot/humid washdown environments?
In most cases POM-C (Sustarin® C) outperforms POM-H under hot water and cleaning cycles.
Can POM be painted or bonded?
Bonding is challenging and requires specialty primers. Factory-colored (e.g., black) materials offer the best uniformity and durability.
When should I choose Nylon (PA) or UHMW-PE instead of POM?
Pick UHMW-PE for extreme wear/impact and ultra-low friction with minimal noise. Choose Nylon when you need higher temperature/load capacity and moisture uptake isn’t a deal-breaker. For dimensional accuracy and clean machining, POM often wins.