Acetal sheet
(polyoxymethylene copolymer), also known as POM-C, is a durable, rigid semi-crystalline thermoplastic offering excellent sliding capabilities, high mechanical strength, and outstanding resistance to impact and wear. It withstands most dilute acids, solvents, and cleaning agents effectively, and is approved for food contact applications in line with EC and FDA standards. This polymer maintains dimensional stability and resists hydrolysis, making it well-suited for challenging environments, including submerged conditions.
Thanks to its robust properties and ease of machining, acetal is widely used for producing components requiring a hard-wearing, smooth surface. We regularly machine POM-C into parts such as friction bearings, gears, tool supports, housings, friction strips, agitators, kneading elements, and seals using our in-house
CNC machinery. Due to its naturally high release characteristics, bonding this material is generally not advised.
Compared to
acetal homopolymer, POM-C offers improved chemical resistance and a lower coefficient of friction, though it is less dense and not as hard-wearing as POM-H. Additionally, acetal copolymer has a lower maximum operating temperature and melting point than the homopolymer variant.
Natural and black acetal sheets are available through Henry Gallacher. For custom components or cut-to-size pieces, please reach out to our technical sales team via the enquiry options provided. We also supply POM-C in
metal detectable
and
blue food quality
variants if required.
Properties of Acetal Sheet (POM-C)
- Temperature range: -50°C to +100°C.
- Strong resistance to chemicals and solvents.
- Exceptional impact and wear resistance.
- Effective electrical insulation.
- High mechanical strength.
- Minimal moisture absorption.
- Excellent sliding characteristics.
- Stable under thermal stress.
- Simple to machine.
- Approved for food contact.
Standards
- Meets EC No 1953/2004 and EC No 10/2011 regulations for plastics intended for food contact.
- Natural acetal complies with FDA regulation 21 CFR 177.2470, except for food applications involving over 15% alcohol.
- Black acetal adheres to FDA regulation 21 CFR 178.3297 concerning polymer colourants.
Availability
Also available:
Acetal Rod
and
Acetal Tube.