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thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics

Acetal Grades

tk accelis offers Acetal plastic, a thermoplastic made from POM (polyoxymethylene) resin, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, high strength, low creep and excellent machinability. These properties allow acetal to be machined to tight tolerances and maintain reliable performance across a wide range of operating environments.

Acetal is also highly resistant to wear and abrasion, making it a popular choice for bearings, bushings, gears, rollers, wear components, valves and other precision-machined parts. Because of its combination of strength, dimensional stability, low friction and relatively low weight, acetal is frequently used as an alternative to traditionally machined metal components.

Acetal is available in both homopolymer and copolymer formulations, as well as specialty grades designed for applications requiring food-contact compliance, static dissipation, metal detectability and other specific performance characteristics

Features and Benefits of Acetal

  • Excellent for general purpose parts in wet environments
  • Machines well to tight tolerances
  • Homopolymer and Copolymer versions available to fit different applications
  • Filled versions/grades available
  • FDA-compliant grades available
  • USDA-compliant grades available
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Low moisture absorption
  • High tensile strength
  • Low creep
  • Good wear and abrasion resistance
  • Low friction
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Excellent impact resistance
  • Reliable performance in wet environments
  • Homopolymer and copolymer formulations available
  • Specialty grades available for static dissipation and metal detectability

Two primary versions of acetal are available: homopolymer and copolymer. Although they are chemically similar, each formulation offers different performance characteristics that can make it better suited for particular applications. Filled and modified versions are also available when additional wear resistance, lubrication or dimensional stability is required

Acetal Homopolymer

Acetal homopolymer is a rigid, high-strength formulation that provides excellent stiffness, impact resistance, dimensional stability and machinability. Compared with acetal copolymer, homopolymer generally offers higher tensile strength, higher stiffness and higher continuous-use temperature.

Acetal homopolymer is a strong choice for precision mechanical components where strength and rigidity are important. It is commonly used for gears, bearings, bushings, rollers, wear components and other parts that require reliable dimensional performance.

  • Rigid
  • Thermoforms easily
  • Can be used in a wide variety of applications
  • Impact resistant
  • Good chemical resistant
  • Low moisture absorption
  • Stiffer than acetal copolymers with higher flexural modulus at ambient temperature and in elevated temperature applications
  • Higher impact strengths at both ambient temperature and low temperatures
  • Roughly 10-15% higher tensile strength and copolymers 
  • Higher continuous use temperature than copolymers (203°F vs. 194°F)

Acetal Copolymer

Acetal copolymer provides an excellent balance of strength, flexibility, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and machinability. Compared with homopolymer, copolymer is generally more flexible and offers improved resistance to cracking at lower temperatures and better resistance to high-pH solutions.

Acetal copolymer is particularly well suited for applications involving moisture, chemicals, food processing and general-purpose mechanical components. It is available in FDA-compliant grades and can be welded or bonded for certain applications.

  • More flexible and pliable than homopolymer
  • Resistant to cracking at lower temperatures
  • No moisture absorption
  • FDA compliant
  • Can be welded
  • Can be bonded
  • Greater dimensional stability than acetal homopolymer due to lower crystallinity
  • Better chemical resistance with high pH solutions (bases)
  • Lower centerline porosity in extrusion

Additionally, filled versions of acetal are available to meet specific application requirements. These fillers, such as PTFE and glass fibers, enhance dimensional stability in acetal sheet and rod applications. Acetal is also offered with proprietary internal lubricants, further enhancing its wear resistance capabilities.

Other trade names for Acetal include: Celcon®, Delrin®, Ensital®, Pomalux®, Polyacetal®, POM (PolyOxyMethylene) Sustarin®, Tecaform®, Ultraform®, Unital®, and ZL 900.

Jump to a specific grade
Copolymer

Copolymer Food Grade

Copolymer Food Grade (COPLYFG) Acetal is tailored to meet food safety standards, making it an ideal choice for components in food processing and packaging equipment. Its excellent dimensional stability and durability ensure reliable performance in food contact applications.

Shapes Offered

Copolymer

Copolymer (COPOLY) Acetal offers flexibility and outstanding dimensional stability, making it well-suited for precision parts in variable environments. Its excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption make it ideal for durable, high-performance components across temperature extremes.

Shapes Offered

Plate Plate
Round Round

FDA Approved

FDA Approved (FDAAPR) Acetal Grade meets rigorous food contact standards, delivering both safety and compliance for food and pharmaceutical applications. With high tensile strength and low creep, this grade is ideal for critical components requiring consistent performance.

Shapes Offered

Static Dissipative

Static Dissipative (SD) Acetal controls static electricity buildup, making it perfect for electronics and sensitive environments. This grade combines Acetal’s mechanical strength with static dissipative properties, ensuring reliable protection for delicate components.

Shapes Offered

Ultra Detectable

Ultra Detectable (ULTDET) Acetal is designed with advanced detectability features to prevent contamination, making it ideal for components in food processing and packaging equipment, while still offering high strength and wear resistance for reliable performance.

Shapes Offered

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