Plastic Properties of Acetal
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| Bezels, pulley wheels, wear caps and cradles all machined out of black and white Acetal. |
Acetal became commercially available in 1960. Acetal is a by-product of a two-step reaction between an alcohol and an aldehyde. Formed by polymerizing anhydrous formaldehyde to form an oxymethlylene chain. Acetal is a popular and versatile crystalline engineering polymer. It is very strong and exhibits good chemical resistance.
Acetal is a tough material with good dimensional stability, and a low coefficient of friction. Acetal machines well and is relativiely easy to process. Typical applications include gears, springs, plates, bushings and housings. Acetal is formaldehyde based and care should be taken when processing; formaldehyde released is a skin and eye irritant.
Acetal Resistance:
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Acetal Quick Facts:
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Excellent resistance (no attack) to Formaldehyde, Oils and Alcohols
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• Max Temp: 180°F 80°C
• Min Temp: -40°F -40°C
• Autoclavable: No
• Melting Point: 320°F 160°C
• Tensile Strength: 8,800 psi
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• Hardness: R107
• UV Resistance: Poor
• Opaque
• Rigid
• Specific Gravity: 1.41 |
Limited resistance (moderate attack and suitable for short term use only) to Methylethylketones
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Poor resistance (not recommended for use with) Acids
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| Acetal Fabrication: |
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Additional Information:
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• Highly machinable
• Excellent for mechanical parts
• Pulleys, sheaves, bearing surfaces
• Gears, bushings, shafts
• Wear resistant surfaces
• Excellent rigidity
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• Chemical Properties A-F
• Chemical Properties G-Z
• Physical Properties
• Use and Care of Plastics
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