What Is POM CNC Machining and Where Is It Used

POM CNC machining uses computer-guided tools to shape POM. POM is also called acetal or Delrin. These tools make POM into exact parts. POM is liked because it keeps its shape well. It has low friction and is easy to machine. These things help make strong and smooth parts. The parts are also very reliable. The car industry uses POM CNC the most. It has 35% of the market. Food and medical equipment industries also use it.

What Is POM?

POM Overview

You might know POM as polyoxymethylene, acetal, or Delrin. This plastic is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. People make it by joining formaldehyde molecules together. The result is a polyacetal resin with a straight chain structure. This structure helps POM stay strong and smooth. POM is different from other plastics because it is strong, stiff, and has low friction. You can find POM in gears, bearings, and moving parts. Its special chemical structure makes it great for precision machining.

Tip: POM is good for parts that must keep their shape and move easily.

Key Properties

POM has mechanical and thermal properties that are good for CNC machining. Here is a table that shows some important features:

POM does not soak up much water, so it keeps its shape in wet places. Its high tensile strength and wear resistance help parts last longer. Because it has low friction, you do not need much oil or grease. But POM does not do well with strong acids or bases, and sunlight can damage it.

Common Types

There are two main types of POM for CNC machining:

• Homopolymer POM (POM-H): This type is stiffer and stronger. It is best for parts that hold heavy things. But it is more sensitive to heat and chemicals.

• Copolymer POM (POM-C): This type handles heat and chemicals better. It is still easy to machine and works well for parts in changing conditions.

Both types help you make strong, exact parts. The best type depends on what your project needs.

POM CNC Machining

Process Overview

When you use pom cnc machining, you can shape POM into many different parts. CNC machines follow computer instructions to cut, drill, and finish the material. You can use several main processes:

• Milling: You can cut POM layer by layer with a spinning tool. This method works well for flat surfaces and complex shapes. You can reach high accuracy, sometimes as tight as ±0.01mm.

• Turning: You can use this process for round parts like shafts or rings. The part spins while the tool cuts, giving you smooth surfaces and precise sizes.

• Drilling: You can make holes in POM for screws or pins. CNC drilling lets you change tools quickly and keeps your work fast and accurate.

• Finishing (Reaming and Tapping): You can make holes smoother or add threads for bolts. Reaming gives you tight tolerances, and tapping makes strong threads.

• Multi-Axis Machining: You can use 3-axis or 5-axis machines for parts with many angles. This helps you make complex parts in fewer steps.

Tip: Always use sharp tools and keep the machine cool. This helps you avoid melting or damaging the POM.

Why POM for CNC

You get many benefits when you choose pom cnc machining. POM is easy to cut, so you can make detailed parts without losing strength. It keeps its shape even if you use it in hot or cold places. You can machine POM at high speeds, which saves you time and money.

Some reasons why POM works so well for CNC:

• You can machine it like metal, so you get crisp edges and fine details.

• POM holds tight tolerances, so your parts fit together perfectly.

• It does not absorb much water, so it stays the same size even in wet places.

• High thermal conductivity lets you use faster speeds without overheating.

• You use less power and your tools last longer because POM is easy to cut.

• You can get a very smooth finish, sometimes as fine as 0.2 microns.

When you use pom cnc, you can make gears, bearings, and other parts that need to be strong and precise. POM’s low friction means your parts move smoothly and last longer.

Comparison to Other Plastics

You might wonder how pom cnc machining compares to working with other plastics. POM stands out because it is easier to machine and gives you better results. Here is a table to help you see the differences:

You can machine POM at higher speeds than most plastics. For example, you can use spindle speeds from 4000 to 8000 RPM and cutting speeds from 200 to 500 meters per minute. Other plastics, like nylon or PTFE, need lower speeds to avoid melting or chipping. POM also lets you hold tighter tolerances, sometimes as close as ±0.002 inches, while other plastics may not stay as precise.

Note: POM’s low moisture absorption means your parts will not swell or warp, even in humid places. This makes pom cnc a top choice for high-precision jobs.

POM CNC Applications

Automotive

POM CNC parts are used in many cars and trucks. These parts need to be strong and last a long time. POM works well because it does not break down from gasoline or diesel. It can handle heat and keeps its shape. You often see POM in fuel system parts, gear wheels, and brake bushings. These parts must fit tightly and move smoothly. POM’s low friction and high strength help them work for years. The table below shows how POM helps in cars:

POM is better than nylon because it does not soak up much water. It also keeps its shape better than nylon. POM resists chemicals better than ABS. When you use pom cnc, you get smooth and reliable car parts.

Electronics

POM CNC parts are found in many electronic devices. These parts must keep electricity from leaking and fit just right. POM is a good choice because it is a strong electrical insulator. It keeps its shape even in hard conditions. Some common electronic parts made with POM are switches, connectors, housings, and insulating parts. POM’s insulation keeps devices safe from short circuits. Its high dielectric strength means it can handle high voltages. POM parts do not swell or warp, even when it is humid. Many companies use pom cnc for connectors, PCB insulators, and aerospace electronics. These parts help stop electrical problems and make devices last longer.

Tip: POM’s chemical resistance and low moisture absorption make it great for electronics that need to last in tough places.

Medical Devices

POM CNC parts are used in many medical tools and machines. These parts must be safe, clean, and very exact. POM meets strict rules for medical use, like FDA, USP Class VI, and ISO 10993. Some common medical device parts made from POM are precision gears, bushings, and housings. These parts need to fit perfectly and move smoothly. POM’s low friction and wear resistance help them last through many uses and cleanings. Medical-grade POM can be sterilized and can touch body fluids without breaking down. Pom cnc makes safe and reliable parts for medical devices.

Industrial Parts

POM CNC parts are used in many factory machines and tools. These parts must carry heavy loads and last a long time. POM is liked because it is strong, does not wear out fast, and does not rust. Some common industrial parts made from POM are gears, bushings, linkages, fuel system parts, sliding parts, sealing pistons, and scrapers. POM’s wear resistance means these parts last longer and need less fixing. Pom cnc makes parts that help machines run well, even in dirty or wet places. POM’s strength and stability help these parts keep working under stress.

Note: POM’s low friction and high wear resistance make it great for parts that move a lot or carry heavy loads.

Sliding and Rotating Components

POM CNC is often used to make sliding and rotating parts. These parts must move easily and not wear out fast. POM’s low friction and self-lubricating properties help these parts last longer and work better. Some sliding and rotating parts made from POM are bushings, bearings, gears, and sleeves. POM’s friction coefficient is lower than nylon. This means your parts move smoothly, make less noise, and need less oil. POM keeps its shape and strength, even after lots of use. Pom cnc gives you quiet, strong, and long-lasting parts for these jobs.

Tip: Use POM for sliding and rotating parts if you want less wear, less noise, and longer life.

POM CNC Benefits

Advantages

When you choose pom cnc for your projects, you get many important benefits. POM gives you excellent dimensional stability, so your parts keep their shape and size. You can make parts with tight tolerances, which means they fit together perfectly. POM also has high strength and hardness, so your parts last longer and resist wear. You can machine POM quickly, which saves you time and money. Its low friction helps moving parts slide smoothly and reduces noise. POM’s toughness lets it handle sudden impacts without breaking. These features make it a top choice for gears, bearings, and sliding parts.

Challenges

You may face some challenges when machining POM. The material can deform if you clamp it too tightly. Cutting heat can also cause POM to change shape. Chips from cutting can build up and block your tools. POM’s elasticity can make it spring back after cutting, which affects accuracy. If you remove too much material at once, internal stress can cause warping. Glass-filled POM makes shorter, more abrasive chips, which wear out tools faster. You need to control heat and clear chips often to keep your parts accurate.

Tip: Use sharp tools, keep your machine cool, and clear chips often to avoid most problems.

Best Practices

You can get the best results from pom cnc by following some simple tips:

• Use sharp, single-flute end mills or carbide tools to reduce heat and get a smooth finish.

• Set spindle speeds between 600 and 3000 RPM for most jobs.

• Keep feed rates high enough to move chips away but not so high that you overheat the material.

• Use coolants or air blasts to keep POM from melting.

• Secure your workpiece with soft jaws or vacuum fixtures to avoid deformation.

• Take small, shallow cuts to improve accuracy and surface finish.

• Inspect your tools and machines often to keep tolerances tight.

• Finish parts with polishing or buffing for a smooth look and longer life.

Regular checks and careful setup help you make strong, precise, and long-lasting POM parts.

Now you know pom cnc machining makes POM into exact and dependable parts. These parts are used in cars, electronics, and medical devices. POM is special because it is strong and does not have much friction. It also keeps its shape well, even when things get tough. Many companies pick POM instead of other plastics because it lasts longer. It also helps parts work better for a long time. If you need parts that must be very accurate and tough, pom cnc is a good choice. It gives you high-quality results every time.

FAQ

What is the difference between POM and Delrin?

You might see POM and Delrin used for the same parts. Delrin is a brand name for POM homopolymer. Both have similar properties, but Delrin often gives you better strength and finish.

Can you paint or glue POM parts?

POM resists most paints and glues. You can use special surface treatments or adhesives made for POM. For best results, ask your supplier about the right products.

Is POM safe for food or medical use?

Yes, you can use medical-grade or food-grade POM for these jobs. Always check for FDA or ISO certifications. These grades meet strict safety rules.

How do you avoid warping when machining POM?

Use sharp tools and keep the material cool. Take small cuts and clear chips often. This helps you keep your parts flat and accurate.