Top 10 Uses of POM Plastic in the Automotive Industry

 

Overview of POM Plastic for Automotive Applications

What is POM Plastic? Polyoxymethylene, commonly known as POM plastic, is a strong and versatile engineering plastic known for its durability, ease of machining, and low-friction characteristics. Known by its trade names like Delrin, POM plastic plays a critical role in numerous industrial applications, especially in automotive manufacturing. The chemical structure of POM gives it a high level of dimensional stability and excellent resistance to wear, making it an ideal choice for precision parts.

Polyoxymethylene plastic sheets
Polyoxymethylene plastic sheets

Importance in the Automotive Industry: The automotive industry has long sought materials that offer high strength. At the same time, manufacturers aim to reduce vehicle weight. POM plastic fits perfectly into this category by providing an excellent balance of rigidity and low weight. From reducing fuel consumption to improving overall vehicle performance, POM plastic is widely used in automotive applications that demand precision, resilience, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, POM plastic helps reduce emissions and enhances overall vehicle safety, making it an essential material for modern automotive design. For example, POM is commonly used in components such as throttle bodies and steering column bushings, which require both strength and precision.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 uses of POM plastic in the automotive industry, helping readers understand its versatile and practical applications.

Key Properties of POM Plastic for Automotive Applications

  • Durability and Wear Resistance: POM plastic exhibits exceptional durability and wear resistance, which makes it suitable for automotive components subjected to high stress and continuous use. This property allows POM to maintain its performance over long periods without compromising functionality.
  • Lightweight Material: Automotive manufacturers are increasingly adopting lightweight materials to meet fuel efficiency standards. POM plastic, being much lighter than metals such as steel or aluminum, helps reduce the overall weight of vehicles, leading to better fuel economy and lower emissions.
  • Low Friction and High Machinability: One of the most valued characteristics of POM plastic is its low coefficient of friction, which makes it ideal for parts that experience regular movement. Additionally, it can be easily machined to precision, allowing the creation of complex components that meet automotive design specifications.
  • Chemical and Heat Resistance: POM plastic has excellent resistance to various automotive fluids and can tolerate temperature variations, making it an ideal material for under-the-hood components that are exposed to chemicals and heat.
Acetal POM sheet used in CNC machining for precision parts
Acetal POM sheet used in CNC machining for precision parts

Top 10 Uses of POM Plastic in the Automotive Industry

  • Use #1: Gear Mechanisms
    • Description: POM plastic is widely used in gear mechanisms due to its wear resistance and low friction. These properties help reduce energy loss, ensure smoother operation, and extend the lifespan of gear components, making them highly effective for automotive performance. Components such as internal gears and actuator parts benefit from these properties.
    • Benefit: Improved durability and reduced noise make POM gears a suitable replacement for traditional metal gears in automotive systems.
  • Use #2: Fuel System Components
    • Description: POM plastic is an excellent material for fuel system components such as fuel caps, connectors, and valves. Its resistance to chemical degradation makes it an ideal choice for parts in contact with fuel.
    • Benefit: The chemical resistance of POM ensures consistent performance and longevity, even under prolonged exposure to fuels and other automotive fluids.
  • Use #3: Door Lock Systems
    • Description: Door lock systems incorporate POM plastic for their high stiffness and low friction properties. It is used in components like latch mechanisms and internal lock components.
    • Benefit: High stiffness guarantees a secure locking mechanism, ensuring vehicle safety and ease of use.
  • Use #4: Window Regulators
    • Description: POM plastic plays an essential role in window regulator systems, including guides and sliders, due to its combination of strength and machinability.
    • Benefit: The lightweight properties of POM reduce the strain on motors, contributing to smoother operation and reducing overall vehicle weight, ultimately improving fuel efficiency.
  • Use #5: Steering Column Bearings
    • Description: POM plastic is used in bearings and bushings within the steering column, allowing for smooth rotational movement.
    • Benefit: The low friction properties of POM provide a smooth steering experience and reduce component wear, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Use #6: Seat Belt Components
    • Description: POM plastic is utilized in seat belt mechanisms, particularly in latches and release buttons. Its high mechanical strength ensures safe operation.
    • Benefit: The toughness of POM helps provide a reliable and durable seat belt system, ensuring passenger safety over time.
  • Use #7: HVAC System Parts
    • Description: POM plastic is frequently used in HVAC systems for parts such as vent controls, blower motor housings, and actuators.
    • Benefit: Its dimensional stability helps maintain consistent airflow and ensures that parts do not deform under changing temperatures.
  • Use #8: Fasteners, Clips, and Cable Ties
  • Use #9: Throttle Bodies and Valves
    • Description: POM plastic is used in throttle bodies and various engine control valves where precision is key.
    • Benefit: The high machinability and precision molding capability of POM ensure efficient airflow control, crucial for optimal engine performance.
  • Use #10: Electrical Connectors and Housing
    • Description: POM plastic is used for making electrical connectors, sensor housings, and other components that require both mechanical strength and electrical insulation.
    • Benefit: The moisture resistance and electrical insulation properties of POM make it ideal for protecting sensitive electrical connections in automotive applications.
cut-to-size plastic
cut-to-size plastic

Advantages of POM Plastic in Automotive Manufacturing

  • Lightweight for Improved Fuel Efficiency: As automotive manufacturers look to improve vehicle fuel efficiency, the use of lightweight POM plastic is crucial in reducing vehicle weight, which leads to better mileage and lower emissions.
  • Cost Savings: POM plastic is a cost-effective alternative to metals, offering easier processing, faster production, and less material wastage, thus lowering the overall cost of manufacturing.
  • Longevity and Reduced Maintenance: The long-lasting properties of POM plastic mean reduced maintenance requirements and longer replacement intervals, which is particularly advantageous in the automotive industry. For example, POM is used in fuel system components, where reduced maintenance significantly enhances overall vehicle reliability by preventing fuel leakage and ensuring consistent performance.

Comparison: POM Plastic vs. Other Automotive Materials

  • POM vs. Nylon: While both POM and nylon are commonly used in automotive applications, POM offers superior wear resistance and better machinability, making it a preferred choice for precision parts.
  • POM vs. Metal: Compared to metal, POM is lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and easier to process. This makes POM an attractive material for replacing metal parts where weight savings and corrosion resistance are a priority.

Summary and Key Takeaways for Automotive Manufacturers

Summary of Key Uses: POM plastic is a versatile material that plays a vital role in automotive manufacturing, contributing to key components such as gears, fuel systems, window regulators, and seat belt mechanisms.

Choosing the right material for automotive parts can make a significant difference in performance, safety, and efficiency. POM plastic, with its lightweight and high durability, is ideal for a wide range of automotive applications, making it a go-to material for many manufacturers.

Discover the Benefits of POM Plastic Today

If you’re interested in learning more about how POM plastic can benefit your automotive applications, explore our product pages or contact us today for inquiries about custom automotive parts made from POM.

POM sheet
POM sheet

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