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THE BASICS: Plastic Welding
GUIDE TO SELECTING NYLON STOCK SHAPES FOR WEAR-RESISTANT APPLICATIONS
MACHINING OF CAST NYLONS
ACETAL STOCK SHAPE APPLICATIONS AND MACHINING
ACETAL COPOLYMER IN FOUR FOOT SHEETS
POLYAMID WITH EMBEDDED LUBRICANT
SHEETS, STRIPS, COILS
CAST NYLON 6 BIG PARTS
 




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ACETAL STOCK SHAPE APPLICATIONS AND MACHINING

There are two types of acetals, the homopolymer (Delrin® from DuPont), and copolymer (Celcon® from Hoechst Celanese or Ultraform® from BASF). Acetal is an engineering thermoplastic based on formaldehyde polymerization. The highly crystalline material is strong, rigid and offers a low coefficient of friction against metals, acetals and other plastics. They are also creep resistant which makes them ideal for parts that require dimensional stability.

Acetal can be fabricated for a broad range of applications from industrial to automotive and plumbing to mechanical components. Several grades have also been approved by the FDA for direct food contact.

Generally speaking, acetals do not absorb a large amount of moisture and are resistant to a wide range of solvents. They can be attacked by both strong acids and oxidizing agents and the homopolymer is not recommended for strong caustic environments. The copolymer is more resistant to hot water and air than the homopolymer. NOTE: Due to the differing properties between the homopolymer and copolymer, it is not recommended that they be substituted without careful consideration.

Acetal is available in a variety of stock shapes (see charts page 30 and 31). The homopolymer and copolymer are offered in several unreinforced and glass fiber-reinforced grades, PTFE-filled and silicone grades, and the homopolymer is available in chemically lubricated low-friction formulations.

Known for its high tensile strength, stiffness, resilience, fatigue endurance and toughness, acetals are resistant to organic solvents, provide dimensional stability, offer a low coefficient of friction, and abrasion resistance. Good electrical properties also make them ideal for electrical applications.

Machining

Acetal stock shapes can be easily machined into a wide variety of parts using general machining practices and standard polished carbide tooling. Virtually any sharp cutting tool capable of high speed without vibration can be used.

ACETAL APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Bearings
  • Bushings
  • Cams
  • Conveyors
  • Electronic industry
  • Gears
  • Guides
  • Impellers
  • Plumbing applications
  • Steering columns
  • Pumps
  • Valves
  • Wear strips

For more information, contact the Plastics Distributor and Fabricator.

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