1. What is Acetal (POM) engineering plastic?

Acetal has the chemical structure R2C(OR')2 and is also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, or polymethylene. This is an organic molecule whose bond consists of a single bond of two oxygen atoms to a central carbon atom (CH2O). Acetal is essentially a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic widely applied in many different types of production. Acetal has the ability to act like other metal materials, so it is used to replace many metal parts in production. In fact, applications made from acetal require high friction, dimensional stability, hardness and outstanding durability. Depending on production needs, investors make adjustments to the formula but the difference is insignificant.

2. What is Delrin engineering plastic?

Delrin resin is essentially the trade name of acetal homogenizer. It is known by its full name as acetal Delrin(Polyoxymethylene POM). Because it is a homogeneous substance, it has a uniform framework that is also formed by repeating cyclic CH2O bonds. Delrin is also one of the engineering thermoplastics with the title of being the hardest and strongest reinforced material. In terms of properties, Delrin is also one of the perfect replacements for metal materials. Some outstanding features of Delrin such as abrasion resistance, creep resistance, warping resistance, and tensile strength are extremely ideal for engineering designs. Superior to other materials, Delrin also has advantages such as low moisture absorption ability, high hardness and wide temperature range that can operate in environments from - 40 to 120 degrees Celsius.

3. Overview on differences: Acetal vs Delrin

Overview of the differences between acetal vs delrin mainly in their molecular composition. We can briefly note that delrin material has a higher crystal structure order than acetal. The important thing that creates the difference in properties of each type lies in the connection between crystal regions. Depending on product needs and business purposes, the material production process can be adjusted in terms of the main ingredient ratio, so any improvements that help improve the bonds will make the material stronger. Because it possesses many crystalline regions, delrin has an advantage over acetal in terms of bond density between crystalline regions, thereby significantly improving the durability of the material.
Besides the structural similarities, acetal and delrin still possess their own unique characteristics that we can see below.

4. Properties comparison: Acetal vs Delrin

4.1 Properties of acetal

Acetal is considered an ideal material for many different technical applications because it possesses many advantages. Among them, it is necessary to mention the following outstanding properties of acetal

Recyclability
Acetal is a thermoplastic and is recyclable. The melting point of acetal is about 162 degrees Celsius to 175 degrees Celsius. Products made from acetal can be melted and recycled after use. Recycling is also an advantage that helps acetal be classified as an environmentally friendly material.

Good heat resistance
 As mentioned above, acetal can withstand heat quite well up to nearly 160 degrees Celsius. In particular, thanks to its good heat resistance, acetal is less likely to degrade when exposed to heat. hot parts, hot water for a long time. This characteristic helps products made from acetal maintain dimensional stability in high temperature environments without losing their inherent mechanical properties.

Chemical resistance
The durability of acetal is partly due to its good resistance in both organic and inorganic acid environments or some other solvents.

Abrasion resistance
Thanks to its low friction coefficient, acetal plastic is less susceptible to abrasion by external mechanical impacts.

Outstanding durability
Acetal can play the role of metals in many manufacturing applications thanks to their durability.

Reinforcing ability
Acetal can be easily combined with reinforcing materials meaning they allow the molecules to bond with molecules from other materials (e.g. fiberglass). This gives acetal more opportunities to improve its properties significantly in terms of strength, toughness and hardness.

4.2 Properties of Delrin

Delrin also possesses the ideal title for many technical applications no less than acetal. Some of these characteristics can be mentioned as follows

Recyclability
This characteristic is similar to acetal. The melting point of Delrin is about 120 degrees Celsius, the product can be recycled after use, bringing great benefits to the environment.

Excellent flexibility
Delrin can be bent so it is often used in technical joints. The toughness of Delrin can be stable in the temperature range from - 40 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius.

Temperature resistance
Delrin's temperature range is quite wide between -40 degrees Celsius and 120 degrees Celsius. However, delrin's high temperature resistance cannot be maintained for a long time.

High fatigue resistance
Technical applications that require parts to bear load for long periods of time and continuously often favor Delrin because they have very good fatigue resistance and rarely deform permanently.

Hardness and strength
Thanks to its high crystallinity, Delrin possesses excellent properties of hardness, elasticity and strength. Compared to acetal, Delrin has better mechanical properties.

Suitable for molding
When it reaches a certain melting point, Delrin can easily liquefy and fill the mold perfectly. Thanks to this feature, the mold placement process is accelerated and the production cycle is optimized.

Besides, Delrin also possesses some notable properties such as: high creep resistance, excellent impact resistance, high resistivity and high flexural modulus.

5. Application comparison : Acetal vs Delrin

5.1 Application of acetal

Acetal applications often favor designs that take full advantage of the chemical resistance of this material. Many investors have very well applied the advantages of acetal in a variety of applications, some of which can be mentioned as follows:

Gear
Pump
Electric toothbrush
Electrical connector
Lock the door
Kitchen utensils
Fuel sending unit
Insulin pen
Dry powder inhaler
Vehicle fuel tank
Valve

5.2 Application of Delrin

Like acetal, delrin plastic is also optimally utilized for the strength and flexibility of this material in applications that require high strength, stiffness, flexibility and tensile strength. Many manufacturers are interested in delrin's excellent mechanical properties and have applied this material to designs such as the following:

Roller
Implants & prosthetics
Linear guide rails
Conveyor system parts
Safety restrictions
Door system parts
Zipper closure
Bearings