Custom parts
Choose acetal for a useful balance of machinability and dimensional stability; specify homopolymer or copolymer when it matters.
Material overview
Acetal, or POM, is available as homopolymer and copolymer grades. Delrin is a trade name associated with acetal homopolymer, not a name for every engineering plastic. KRC’s current selector identifies black homopolymer POM-H. Grade-specific properties should come from the actual material data.
Where it fits
Acetal is useful for guides, bushings, spacers, and mechanical parts where low friction and low moisture uptake are valuable. It is still less stiff than metal and expands more with temperature. A close fit designed as though the part were steel can behave differently in service.
Design considerations
Keep load-bearing sections generous and avoid overtightening screws against thin plastic walls. Repeated assembly may benefit from a designed metal insert. A long thin section can deflect under cutting or clamping loads, so a nominally simple plastic part may require thoughtful workholding.
KRC ordering route
Use the CNC selector for the listed acetal stock. Match the grade and color to the drawing. Chemical exposure, sustained load, and temperature influence suitability; no generic acetal label should be treated as a universal food-contact or regulatory certification.
Ensinger: acetal / POM