Within the world of plastics, Ertacetal (Acetal) holds a prominent place as a versatile thermoplastic. Known chemically as "PolyOxyMethylene" or POM, Ertacetal is widely utilized in two primary forms: Copolymer acetal (POM-C) and homopolymer acetal (POM-H), often referred to as Delrin®. At Ai Plastics, we provide both grades in various dimensions, customized to suit specific needs.

The Distinctions

Ertacetal C (Acetal C)

This copolymer offers superior performance at a slightly reduced cost compared to Acetal H/Delrin. While the properties of both grades are quite similar, Acetal C's lower stress levels and high tensile strength ensure flatness and dimensional stability up to a maximum temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. At Ai Plastics, Ertacetal C is available in rods and sheets and is suitable for food applications due to its FDA approval. The material is available in both black and natural colors.

Additional benefits include:

• Improved dimensional stability due to its lower crystallinity.
• Better resistance to hot water and strong caustics, or high pH (basic) solutions.
• A lower coefficient of friction and enhanced impact and wear properties, particularly in damp or humid environments.

Ertacetal H / Acetal

Ertacetal (Acetal) Homopolymer exhibits slightly superior mechanical properties compared to Acetal C. It boasts greater stiffness, higher flexural modulus at both room and elevated temperatures, along with improved creep resistance and often better wear resistance than the copolymer. Key features of Acetal H include:

• Increased stiffness with a higher flexural modulus at both room and elevated temperatures.
• Slightly higher tensile and impact strength at room temperatures and below.
• Slightly harder, resulting in a lower coefficient of friction.

The Similarities

In most cases, Ertacetal (Acetal) homopolymer and copolymer can be substituted for one another since their material properties differ by only about 10%. A common characteristic among engineering plastics is their ease of machining. Unlike many other plastics, Ertacetal C and Ertacetal H maintain their shape without deflection or chipping, making them ideal for machining applications.

Both grades are renowned for their high mechanical strength, low thermal expansion, low water absorption, and excellent creep resistance. Their high lubricity enhances abrasion resistance and results in a very low coefficient of friction.

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Typical Applications

Owing to their diverse properties like lubricity, strength, chemical resistance, and machining ease, Ertacetal (Acetal-C and Acetal-H) finds application in thousands of industries. Common uses include:

• Conveyor moving parts
• Automotive and fuel-related components
• Sliding and guiding parts
• Gears
• Bearings
• Zippers
• Electrical components and insulation
• Winter sports equipment
• Pump and valve parts

Need Assistance?

If you require technical guidance on Ertacetal C and Ertacetal H, feel free to contact us at 0161 727 0255 or download our datasheets from our website. Alternatively, you can email your queries to .