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pom injection molding plastics
what is pom injection molding plastics

Polypropylene in Injection Molding

POM, also known as Delrin, is a versatile engineering thermoplastic prized for its excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability. It is ideal for applications requiring high stiffness, low friction, and resistance to wear. POM finds extensive use across automotive, consumer goods, and industrial sectors due to its ability to maintain performance under stress.

When injection molding POM, it is essential to consider the specific properties of the available POM materials at RapidDirect:

Dark Brown (Coffee) POM 100AF: Known for its excellent fatigue and wear resistance, this material is ideal for long-term durability and stability applications.
POM Black: Offers high strength and rigidity, making it suitable for mechanical components where structural integrity and aesthetics are essential.
POM Blue: Combines visibility for inspection purposes with robust mechanical properties, often used in consumer goods and safety-related applications.
POM White: Provides a clean, aesthetic appearance while maintaining excellent mechanical properties, perfect for medical devices and consumer products.

Price:$$
Available PPS at RapidDirect:Dark Brown (Coffee) POM 100AF, POM Black, POM Blue, POM White
Lead Time:< 5 days
Wall Thickness:1mm
Tolerances:ISO2768-C
Max Part Size:300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm

POM (Delrin) Properties

POM, or Delrin, is a versatile engineering thermoplastic with high stiffness, low friction, and resistance to wear.

Tensile ModulusTensile Strain (Yield)Rockwell HardnessHeat Deflection
2.9GPa20%M80150 C

Pros and Cons of POM Injection Molding

POM plastic offers many benefits that make it suitable for injection molding. However, there are some of its downsides to consider before choosing it for any project. 

Pros

  1. Excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and stiffness.
  2. It has low friction and wear resistance and is ideal for moving parts.
  3. Good dimensional stability and chemical resistance.
  4. Ease of machining and post-processing.

Cons

  1. Higher cost compared to some commodity plastics.
  2. Limited color options and potential for discoloration with UV exposure.
  3. Requires careful attention to processing conditions to prevent warping or cracking.
  4. Susceptible to degradation under high temperatures, necessitating controlled molding conditions.

Applications of Injection Molded POM Parts

Injection molded POM parts are widely used across various industries, including: 

  1. Automotive: Fuel systems, door handles, gears, and bushings.
  2. Consumer Goods: Zippers, buttons, and handles for appliances.
  3. Engineering: Precision gears, bearings, and conveyor components.
  4. Medical: Surgical instruments, insulin pens, and fluid handling parts.
applications of pom injection molding plastics

FAQs

POM typically operates effectively within a temperature range of -40°C to 100°C (-40°F to 212°F). This thermoplastic exhibits good mechanical properties and dimensional stability across this temperature range, making it suitable for various automotive, consumer goods, and engineering applications.

The residence time, or the duration POM material remains in the injection molding machine barrel, varies depending on the molding conditions and equipment used. Generally, the residence time should be carefully monitored and controlled for efficient processing and maintaining material integrity to prevent thermal degradation and maintain part quality.

Key considerations include managing POM’s sensitivity to moisture, which can lead to degradation and affect mechanical properties. Mold temperature control is critical to achieving uniform part quality and minimizing warpage. Gate design and location are crucial in controlling flow and minimizing visible marks on the finished part. Additionally, ensuring proper drying of POM pellets before molding is essential to prevent defects caused by moisture absorption during processing.

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