Global supplier of
plastic materials

POM (ACETAL) TUBES

POM (Polyoxymethylene) tubes are cylindrical, hollow, high-performance plastic profiles made from semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic polymerized formaldehyde. Also known as acetal or polyacetal tubes, they combine high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and low friction, making them ideal for fluid transfer, structural, and wear-resistant applications. Available as homopolymer (e.g., Delrin®) or copolymer (e.g., Celcon®), these tubes can be manufactured in a variety of diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths, allowing for versatile design options and are machinable into custom parts like bushings, rollers, and fluid-handling components.

Key Features:

Hollow Structure: Minimizes weight while retaining strength.

High Strength & Stiffness: Capable of withstanding significant loads and stresses.

Low Friction: Provides smooth inner and outer surfaces, ideal for fluid flow and moving parts.

Excellent Dimensional Stability: Minimal expansion or contraction due to low moisture absorption.

Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to fuels, oils, solvents, and many other chemicals.

Superior Wear & Abrasion Resistance: Water absorption <0.3%, ideal for humid or wet environments. Enhances longevity in applications with moving or sliding components.

Easy Machinability: Can be readily cut, drilled, or machined to meet precise specifications.

Electrical Insulation: Non-conductive with good dielectric properties.

Versatile Finishes: Available in natural, colored, and filled variants to suit different environmental and performance needs.

FDA Compliant Options: Specially produced grades suitable for food and medical applications.

Technical Parameters:

Tensile Strength: 60–70 MPa (homopolymer), 50–60 MPa (copolymer).

Compressive Strength: ~100-120 MPa.

Flexural Strength: ~110-125 MPa

Melting Point: 175°C (homopolymer), 165°C (copolymer).

Density: 1.41–1.42 g/cm³, varies slightly between grades

Operating Temperature: -40°C to 100°C depends on grades

Shore D Hardness: ~M85 (Homopolymer), ~M80 (Copolymer)

Coefficient of Friction: ~0.25-0.3 (in dry conditions)

Moisture Absorption: ~0.2-0.3% (low moisture absorption).

Product Advantages:

Lightweight Design: The hollow configuration reduces weight without sacrificing strength.

Low Friction Surface: Ideal for applications involving fluid transport or sliding/rotating parts.

High Durability: Excellent wear and abrasion resistance extend the service life.

Chemical & Solvent Resistance: Maintains performance in harsh industrial environments (e.g., marine, chemical plants).

Temperature Resilience: Operates effectively across a broad temperature range.

Versatile Machining: Easily processed to achieve high-precision components.

Customization: Available in various forms (e.g., filled or colored) to meet specific application needs.

Hygienic Options: Non-porous surface resists bacterial growth (critical for medical/food industries).

Cost Efficiency: Lower machining costs compared to metal tubing.

Applications:

Fluid Transfer & Piping: Utilized in systems where smooth flow and chemical resistance are required. Fuel lines, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, water filtration components.

Automotive Components: Employed in bushings, bearings, gears, clutch components, and conveyor rollers.

Industrial Machinery: Used in components such as rollers, seals, and custom machined parts.

Medical & Food Processing: FDA-compliant tubes are ideal for sanitary and food-contact applications such as Endoscope parts, IV connectors, drug delivery systems.

Aerospace: Lightweight and high-strength tubes are used in precision aerospace components.

Electrical Insulation: Offers excellent insulating properties for electronic components such as Insulating sleeves, cable guides.

Custom Fabrication: Perfect for prototypes or applications requiring intricate machining and custom dimensions.

Types:

Natural (Unfilled) Acetal Tubes: Standard POM tubes offering a balance of strength and ease of machining.

Glass-Filled Acetal Tubes: Reinforced with 20%-30% glass fibers to enhance strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability.

Carbon-Filled Acetal Tubes: Incorporate carbon fibers for lower friction and superior wear resistance.

FDA Compliant Tubes: Manufactured to meet food-grade and medical standards, ensuring hygiene and safety.

Colored Acetal Tubes: Available in a range of colors for aesthetic purposes or to denote different functions within a system.

Storage:

-Storage: 

oStore in a cool, dry place (<30°C) away from direct sunlight and high humidity.

oUse protective packaging or sealed containers to prevent dust, scratches, or physical damage.

-Handling: 

oHandle with care to maintain surface integrity, especially for tubes intended for precision applications.

oWear gloves to avoid contamination and potential surface damage during installation or machining.

-Shelf Life: 

oWhen stored under proper conditions, acetal tubes maintain their properties over an extended period. For optimal performance, it is generally recommended to use them within a few years of purchase.

FAQ

Q1: Can POM tubes be sterilized?

A: Yes, copolymer tubes tolerate autoclaving (121°C, 15–20 psi) and gamma radiation.

Q2: Can POM tubes handle pressurized fluids?

A: Yes, but pressure rating depends on wall thickness, temperature, and material grade. Avoid exceeding 100°C for copolymer or 85°C for homopolymer.

Q3: What are acetal tubes primarily used for?

A: Acetal tubes are used in a variety of applications including fluid transfer, automotive components, industrial machinery, and custom-machined parts, thanks to their strength, low friction, and chemical resistance.

Q4: How do acetal tubes differ from acetal rods?

A: The key difference is in their structure—acetal tubes are hollow, offering a weight reduction while retaining strength, whereas acetal rods are solid. This makes tubes particularly useful where weight savings and internal passageways (for fluids or wiring) are beneficial.

Q5: What are the benefits of using filled variants like glass-filled or carbon-filled acetal tubes?

A: Filled acetal tubes provide enhanced mechanical properties. Glass-filled tubes offer increased stiffness and reduced thermal expansion, while carbon-filled tubes reduce friction and improve wear resistance, making them ideal for high-performance applications.

Q6: What industries can benefit from using acetal tubes?

A: Industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, food processing, industrial machinery, and electronics commonly use acetal tubes due to their combination of strength, light weight, and chemical resistance.