is a highly crystalline engineering thermoplastic built from repeating oxymethylene (–CH₂–O–) units. It is produced in two forms — homopolymer offering slightly higher mechanical properties, and copolymer providing better thermal and chemical stability.
Its tightly packed crystalline structure is responsible for its outstanding combination of stiffness, low friction, and dimensional precision.
POM delivers exceptional stiffness and hardness among unreinforced thermoplastics. Its surface is naturally lubricious — exhibiting a very low coefficient of friction without requiring external lubricants.
Dimensional stability and creep resistance are excellent, enabling tight manufacturing tolerances to be maintained under sustained load. It operates reliably from –40°C to approximately 110°C, resists fuels, solvents, and neutral chemicals well, though it is attacked by strong acids and oxidizing agents. Moisture absorption is very low, preserving dimensional integrity in humid environments.
POM is the dominant material for precision mechanical components — gears, bearings, bushings, and cams in automotive, appliance, and industrial machinery. Door lock mechanisms, seatbelt components, and fuel system parts use POM extensively in automotive engineering.
Consumer products such as zippers, aerosol valves, and pen components rely on its surface quality and dimensional precision. In plumbing, POM is used for valve bodies, pump impellers, and pipe fittings due to its chemical resistance and low friction.
is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester of butanediol and terephthalic acid. It belongs to the same polyester family as PET but offers faster crystallization, better chemical resistance, and superior processability — making it distinctly suited for precision engineering and electrical applications.
Its most defining characteristic is very low moisture absorption — the lowest among common engineering polyesters — ensuring stable electrical and mechanical properties in humid conditions. It exhibits excellent resistance to fuels, oils, solvents, and dilute acids, with a high service temperatures.
Electrical insulation properties are outstanding and remain stable across temperature and humidity ranges. It is easily and rapidly processed through injection molding due to its fast crystallization rate, making it highly productive in high-volume manufacturing.
PBT’s primary domain is electrical and electronic components — connectors, relay housings, switches, motor end caps, and circuit breaker parts where dimensional precision and stable electrical insulation are critical.
In automotive engineering, PBT is used for ignition system components, sensor housings, headlamp bezels, and door handle mechanisms. Its chemical resistance makes it suitable for pump housings and impellers in fluid handling. In consumer electronics, PBT appears in power tool housings, computer peripheral connectors, and appliance components.
POM excels where precision, low friction, and mechanical reliability are paramount — the engineer’s choice for moving mechanical parts.
PBT excels where electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and fast precise molding are required — the specialist’s choice for electronic and automotive functional components. Together they represent two of the most mechanically and functionally dependable engineering thermoplastics in industrial use.
Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. This website is published by POLYSTYLEX on behalf of its businesses.
POLYSTYLEX is a Registered Trademark, the property of POLYSTYLEX Limited.
