POM (Delrin, Acetal)
Frequently asked questions
Can POM (Delrin, Acetal) be laser cut?
Yes: POM (Delrin, Acetal) can be laser cut. However, it releases toxic fumes — machining is not recommended.
Can POM (Delrin, Acetal) be CNC machined?
Yes: POM (Delrin, Acetal) can be CNC machined.
Can POM (Delrin, Acetal) be 3D printed?
Yes, using FDM.
Is POM (Delrin, Acetal) food safe?
Yes, POM (Delrin, Acetal) is food safe even in its raw state.
Physical properties
| Density | 1410.0–1420.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 65.0 MPa |
| Melting point | 165.0–175.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 110.0 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | Negligible |
Laser processing
Thermal overheating of POM causes polymer decomposition, releasing formaldehyde gas (sharp odour, strongly irritating to eyes and mucous membranes, toxic). Forced external ventilation and extraction mandatory.
CO₂: Cuts very well with CO2 laser. Thin thicknesses (1–4mm) cut extremely cleanly, with smooth edges and minimal thermal deformation. Requires a constant cold air jet.
Diode: Cutting not feasible on light-coloured sheets. Graphic marking possible only on black/dark POM.
Fiber: Not applicable.
CNC / milling processing
The ideal plastic material for CNC milling. Fantastic behaviour: produces large, continuous chips without melting or gumming up on the bit at all, ensuring glossy finishes and micrometric dimensional stability. Use single-flute bits at high RPM.
3D printing
Post-processing
Sanding: Very easy to dry-sand thanks to its high melting point and hardness. Produces fine, clean dust. Grit 180 → 240 → 400.
Primer: mandatory. Direct painting impracticable due to very low surface energy. Requires pre-treatment with physical flame treatment or adhesion-promoting primers specific for acetal resins.
Gluing: Bondable with extreme difficulty. Standard glues and cyanoacrylates do not grip. Requires acid surface treatments, flame treatment, or special acrylic/epoxy structural adhesives combined with primers for non-stick plastics.
Over time: Exceptional mechanical and chemical stability over time. Resistant to friction wear, abrasion, fuels and most organic solvents.
Common defects
- Strong emission of irritating formaldehyde gas during laser operations
- Layer delamination in FDM 3D printing if not processed in a high-temperature heated enclosure
- Immediate detachment of non-specific paints or adhesives
Safety
Recommended PPE: mask_p3
Always work in the presence of an extraction hood. Avoid contact of formaldehyde vapours with eyes and respiratory tract.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: sheets 2–50mm, round bars, square bars
Related materials
Sources
- ISO 9988 — Polyoxymethylene (POM) materials for molding and extrusion
- Dupont Delrin Technical Design Guide
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.