Understanding Polyoxymethylene POM plastic injection molding

What is POM plastic (Polyoxymethylene)?

POM plastic (Polyoxymethylene), known as acetal, is one of the most popular thermoplastics in modern manufacturing. With its exceptional properties, POM has become the top choice for many applications requiring high precision and durability. In this article, Hanoi Mould will provide an in-depth look at POM, the injection molding process, and its benefits.

If you are interested in injection molds and need to produce plastic products in bulk, don’t hesitate to contact Hanoi Mould or call our hotline at 0912 308 979 for a consultation!

Characteristics and properties of POM plastic

POM possesses several outstanding characteristics, including:

• High hardness and strength: POM has significant hardness, enabling products to withstand high loads without deformation.
• Excellent wear resistance: With outstanding wear resistance, POM is an ideal choice for machine parts that experience friction, moving components, and reducing wear.
• Chemical resistance: POM can resist various chemicals, including weak acids, organic solvents, and fuels.
• Thermal stability: POM can operate at high temperatures up to 100°C without deformation, maintaining performance in harsh conditions.

Types of POM plastic

POM is generally classified into two main types:

1. POM-C (Copolymers): This type has better mechanical properties and is often used in applications requiring higher strength and precision.
2. POM-H (Homopolymers): This type is higher-purity, making it suitable for products that demand high precision and more complex fabrication capabilities.

What is POM plastic injection molding?

POM injection molding is the process of producing plastic products by injecting liquid POM into a mold via an injection molding machine. The injection molding process for POM is similar to that of other plastics, with specific technical and temperature requirements to suit this material. This process creates complex plastic parts with high precision, commonly used in mass production.

POM plastic injection molding process

The POM injection molding process includes the following main steps:

1. Material preparation: The POM plastic is dried before being fed into the machine to avoid moisture-related issues during melting. POM is dried at 80 °C for about 2-4 hours. Then, it is melted in the machine’s chamber.
2. Injection into the mold: The molten POM at a temperature of 175 °C is injected into the mold under high pressure, typically ranging from 800 to 1200 bar, filling the entire cavity.
3. Cooling: After the POM is injected into the mold, the cooling process occurs to solidify the plastic and maintain its shape. Cooling is crucial as the shrinkage rate of POM is around 2%. Therefore, precision in size design must be considered.
4. Product removal: The finished product is removed from the mold manually or automatically, and if necessary, additional processing such as cutting or surface finishing may be applied.
5. Finishing treatment: In some cases, if the injection mold has not been processed or minor errors occur during molding, the product may still have some defects that need trimming for aesthetic appeal. However, the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of POM typically reduce the need for this finishing step.

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Benefits of using POM in injection molding

Using POM in the injection molding process offers several benefits, including:

• High precision: Thanks to injection molding technology, products are produced with accurate and consistent dimensions.
• Cost savings: The rapid injection molding process reduces production time and labor costs. POM parts have high durability and self-lubricating properties, decreasing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.
• Superior durability: POM products have a longer lifespan, minimizing maintenance and replacement costs.
• Flexible design capabilities: POM allows for the creation of products with complex shapes without requiring extensive machining.

Applications of POM plastic injection molding

POM is widely used in various fields, including:

• Industrial applications: Fuel pump housings, control cables, wiper arms, heating/air conditioning components, and interior door handles. It is also used in underground piping, showerheads, pumps, valves, and irrigation devices.
• Automotive technology: POM is commonly applied in fuel systems, interior components, and under-the-hood parts.
• Device components: Used to make gears, timers, and pumps within systems.
• Consumer industry: Household products such as toys, kitchenware, and electronic devices.

Important considerations for POM plastic injection molding

When performing POM injection molding, several key points should be noted:

• Choosing the right type of plastic: Depending on the specific application, selecting the appropriate type of POM is essential for optimal performance.
• Temperature control: Ensure that the temperature during the injection molding process remains stable to achieve the best product quality.
• Machine maintenance: Keeping the injection molding machine in good condition is crucial for maximizing efficiency and minimizing breakdowns.

If you are interested in injection molds and need to produce plastic products in bulk, don’t hesitate to contact Hanoi Mould or call our hotline at 0912 308 979 for a consultation!

Conclusion

POM (Polyoxymethylene) is not only an important material in the plastics industry but also plays a vital role in driving innovation and sustainable development in manufacturing. With its numerous outstanding advantages and diverse applications, POM is becoming the top choice for fields requiring high precision and durability.

Understanding POM and the injection molding process will not only help you make informed decisions in production but also enhance your company’s competitive edge in an increasingly evolving market.

We hope this article equips you with the necessary knowledge to fully leverage the potential of POM in your upcoming projects, thereby creating products that not only meet market demands but also contribute to the sustainable development of the plastics industry.