Acetals are engineering plastics with high crystallinity, high modulus of elasticity coupled with great strength, stiffness and abrasion resistance and low moisture absorption. They are characterised also by a low coefficient of friction, good bearing features and impact resistance.
The dimensional stability of close tolerance fabricated parts is excellent due to low moisture absorption. Thus Acetal should be considered as a first choice material in wet applications. Acetal has good resistance to solvents and lubricants, but is attacked by strong acids and bases.
Additives such as PTFE, glass fibre or lubricants improve certain properties for special applications. Further details are available on request.
There are two main types of acetal, i.e. homopolymer and copolymer, which are comparable in their basic characteristics.
Impact strength and tensile strength of homopolymer is higher than that of copolymer and it is easier to machine on the lathe. On the other hand copolymer has better chemical and hydrolysis resistance at elevated temperatures.
