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Precision CNC Machining

Custom POM / Acetal Parts Manufacturing

Custom POM components for automation equipment, instrumentation, and mechanical assemblies. TENGHUI provides in-house CNC milling and turning for prototypes, low-volume orders, and repeat production.

From bushings and rollers to guides and precision spacers, we review material selection, machining sequence, and critical dimensions before production.

Upload your drawings for a quotation and manufacturability review. NDA available upon request.
Custom POM / Acetal Parts Manufacturing
Material Selection Guide

POM Material Properties & Selection

POM, also known as acetal or polyoxymethylene, is an engineering thermoplastic valued for its stiffness, machinability, and low-friction characteristics. The two main types are acetal copolymer (POM-C) and acetal homopolymer (POM-H). Delrin® is a brand of acetal homopolymer, rather than a general name for all POM materials.

Material Characteristic General Guidance What to Specify
Material Type POM-C and POM-H offer different balances of mechanical properties and environmental resistance Required type, brand, grade, and applicable material specification
Density Common unfilled grades are approximately 1.41–1.43 g/cm³ Use grade-specific data where component weight is critical
Strength & Stiffness Suitable for many lightly loaded mechanical components Loads, support points, allowable deflection, and service life
Friction & Wear Useful sliding characteristics in suitable operating conditions Mating material, load, speed, lubrication, and wear requirements
Moisture Absorption Low compared with many common nylon grades, but not zero Humidity, immersion duration, temperature, and dimensional requirements
Heat Performance Depends on grade, load, exposure time, and geometry Continuous and peak operating temperatures
Dimensional Stability Generally good for an engineering plastic; thermal expansion and residual stress remain important Critical fits, flatness, inspection conditions, and assembly requirements
Chemical Compatibility Depends on the substance, concentration, temperature, and exposure Cleaning agents, fluids, oils, and other contact substances

*Properties vary by grade, stock form, and processing history. Use the selected material’s data sheet for engineering assessment. Heat deflection temperature should not be treated as a universal continuous-use temperature.

Grade Selection Guide

POM-C or POM-H?

Understanding the key differences between Acetal Copolymer and Acetal Homopolymer helps ensure component reliability across varied thermal, chemical, and mechanical environments.

General-Purpose

POM-C — Acetal Copolymer

Commonly selected for general machined components. It typically offers low centerline porosity and useful resistance to moisture and a range of chemicals. Suitability for hot water or chemical exposure still requires grade-specific review.

Higher Strength

POM-H — Acetal Homopolymer

Often considered where higher stiffness, strength, or fatigue performance is important. Thick-section stock may require additional attention to centerline porosity, particularly for sealing or fluid-handling components.

Specified Delrin® Material: If your drawing requires Delrin®, include the exact grade and documentation requirements. Brand, stock availability, and material source must be confirmed before ordering. Generic POM is not substituted for specified branded material without approval.
Discuss Material Specs
Post-Processing & Treatment

Finishing & Cleaning Options for POM Parts

POM components are often used with an as-machined finish. Secondary operations should be selected according to function, appearance, and dimensional requirements.

01

As-Machined

Standard Finish

Parts retain visible machining marks without an additional decorative treatment. This is a practical option for many bushings, guides, rollers, and internal mechanical components.

Design Note: Specify roughness on sliding, sealing, and mating surfaces. Achievable roughness depends on geometry, tool access, material stock, and machining conditions.
02

Deburring & Edge Finishing

Precision Edge Control

Accessible edges are deburred according to the drawing and agreed requirements. Particular attention can be given to hole exits, slots, threads, and assembly features.

Design Note: Identify edges that require a specified radius, chamfer, or sharp condition. Fine features and difficult-to-access internal edges require separate review.
03

Cleaning

Residue Removal

Cleaning methods are selected to suit the material, machining residues, and intended use.

Design Note: If your project requires controlled cleanliness, specify contaminants, acceptance limits, and packaging. General cleaning does not imply medical/semiconductor compliance.
04

Matte Surface Preparation

Cosmetic Texture

A matte texture may be evaluated for selected cosmetic surfaces. The process and achievable appearance depend on geometry, material, and sample approval.

Design Note: Sliding surfaces, sealing areas, precision fits, and threads should be excluded unless the treatment is specifically required and validated.
05

Part Identification & Marking

Tracking & Assembly

Part numbers, orientation marks, or other identification can be reviewed where required. The marking method, contrast, durability, and location depend on grade, color, and surface.

Design Note: Marking should be kept away from critical wear or sealing areas. Painting/bonding is difficult on untreated POM; specify stock color rather than painted finishes.
Engineering Evaluation

Advantages and Considerations of POM Machining

POM is a practical option for many mechanical components where a combination of stiffness, low friction, and machinability is required.

Advantages of POM

Low Friction & Mechanical Strengths
Good Machinability: Suitable for CNC milling and turning of detailed mechanical components.
Useful Sliding Performance: Can support low-friction applications when loads, speeds, and mating surfaces are appropriate.
Low Moisture Absorption: Helps reduce moisture-related dimensional changes compared with many common nylon grades.
Stiffness and Resilience: Useful for guides, rollers, bushings, spacers, and selected moving components.
Low Component Weight: Can provide a lighter alternative to metal where strength, wear, temperature, and assembly requirements permit.

Considerations & Limitations

Technical Constraints & Manufacturing Safeguards
Thermal Expansion: Dimensions can change with temperature. Critical fits should account for operating and inspection conditions.
Residual Stress and Deformation: Material removal, clamping, and machining heat can affect flatness and dimensional stability.
Long-Term Loading: Sustained loads can cause creep. Press fits, threaded features, and loaded assemblies require design review.
Application-Dependent Wear: Low friction does not guarantee suitability for every dry-running application or eliminate the need for lubrication.
Chemical and UV Exposure: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, and prolonged sunlight can affect performance. Compatibility should be assessed for the selected grade.
Difficult Painting and Bonding: Mechanical assembly is often more practical than standard adhesive bonding.
Stock Quality: Centerline porosity and other stock characteristics may matter for sealing, pressure, or cleanliness-sensitive components.
DFM Review Available: Our engineering team can analyze your POM CAD models to evaluate thermal expansion allowances, centerline porosity risks in thick sections, and clamping deformation.
Get a Free DFM Review

POM / Acetal Parts Manufacturing FAQs

1. What is the difference between POM, POM-C, POM-H, and Delrin®?

POM is the material family, also called acetal. POM-C is acetal copolymer, while POM-H is acetal homopolymer.

Delrin® is a brand of acetal homopolymer. It should not be used as a generic description for all acetal materials.

Specify the required type and exact grade where material identity is important. If the material is undecided, share the operating requirements for an initial manufacturing review.

2. Is POM suitable for wet or humid environments?

POM has relatively low moisture absorption, making it a useful option for many components exposed to humidity or water.

However, it does absorb some moisture, and dimensional changes remain possible. Suitability depends on the grade, exposure duration, temperature, chemicals, and required fit.

Long-term immersion and close-tolerance assemblies should be evaluated under representative conditions.

3. What tolerances can you achieve for machined POM parts?

Tolerances are confirmed after reviewing part dimensions, geometry, stock condition, and service requirements.

Small, well-supported features may permit tighter tolerances than large, thin-walled, or asymmetric components. Temperature, clamping, and time after machining can also affect measurements.

Mark critical dimensions, fits, flatness, and inspection requirements on your drawing so achievable limits can be agreed before production. Threads and gear features should include the applicable specifications rather than a single general tolerance.

4. How do you control deformation during machining?

We plan stock selection, workholding, material removal, and machining sequence around the part geometry.

For parts sensitive to movement, staged roughing and finishing with time between operations may be used. Thermal stress-relief treatment can be evaluated where appropriate, following guidance for the selected stock material.

These methods help manage deformation but do not eliminate the effects of temperature, loading, or long-term service conditions.

5. Can POM parts be painted or glued?

Standard painting and adhesive bonding are difficult because POM has low surface energy.

Mechanical fasteners, suitable inserts, or designed assembly features may provide more practical solutions. If bonding or painting is essential, the surface treatment, adhesive or coating, and required durability must be evaluated together.

Do not assume that a successful appearance sample will provide adequate structural bond strength.

6. Can POM replace a metal component?

In some applications, POM can replace a metal part to reduce weight or provide different friction and noise characteristics.

The decision requires review of loads, stiffness, temperature, wear, creep, dimensional changes, and assembly methods. A metal design should not be transferred directly to plastic without checking these requirements.

7. What is the typical lead time?

Straightforward CNC prototypes can often be completed in approximately 3–7 working days.

Larger quantities, complex geometries, staged machining, special materials, and inspection requirements may need additional time. We confirm the delivery plan after reviewing your files and project requirements.

8. What information do you need for a quotation?

Please provide:

  • A 3D CAD model, preferably STEP.
  • A 2D PDF drawing showing critical dimensions, tolerances, threads, and surface requirements.
  • Required quantities.
  • Material type, brand, grade, and color, where specified.
  • Assembly details, including fits, inserts, and mating materials.
  • Operating temperature, loading, and moisture or chemical exposure where relevant.
  • Inspection, cleanliness, and documentation requirements.
  • Target delivery date and shipping destination.

For gears or sliding components, include the relevant geometry, mating conditions, and performance requirements.

Send us a message

Upload your 2D drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF) and 3D CAD files (STEP/IGES). We evaluate part geometry, materials, and tolerances within 24 hours.

Send Us a Message

Once we receive your design files, our senior manufacturing engineers will manually perform a comprehensive DFM review and deliver an accurate, optimized quote within 24 hours.