Acetal

Acetal—also known as polyoxymethylene (POM)—is often used in high-performance parts. It is available in numerous variations, each of which is slightly different in formula and performance. It can demonstrate a variety of advantageous properties, including high strength, stability, and durability and low coefficient of friction and moisture absorption, that make it suitable for different industrial applications. One of the most common products made from it is washers.

Washers are flat discs with a centralized hole. They are used alongside fasteners to ensure even pressure distribution, protect against surface damage, and prevent loosening. Acetal washers are typically made from acetal copolymer, which exhibits excellent strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, all of which are critical to the performance of washers.

Below, we highlight more of the benefits of acetal washers and outline some of their common applications.

Key Benefits of Acetal Washers

Acetal washers have many benefits, such as high tensile and flexural strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability, good creep resistance, fatigue resistance, and lubricity, and low rate coefficient of friction. These properties make them a suitable alternative for metallic washers. However, they can also exhibit characteristics that make them a better option. For example:

• Their low rates of thermal expansion and moisture absorption enable them to be used in environments with varying temperature and humidity levels
• Their unique combination of high strength, modulus of elasticity, and fatigue and impact resistance often makes them a weight-saving replacement
• Their chemical and corrosion resistance make them suitable for use in demanding environments
• Their slow and low aging rates make them ideal for long-term use in submerged or unsubmerged situations
• Their elasticity makes them less likely to damage the application surface

Common Industrial Applications of Acetal Washers

Due to their numerous advantageous mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, acetal washers find application in a wide range of industries, including:

Automotive

Compared to metallic washers, acetal washers are lighter in weight. This quality is essential to the automotive industry, which is always looking for ways to cut vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency.

Electric

Acetal copolymer has strong electrical properties and a UL rating of 100° C. These qualities make it ideal for use in washers designed for electrical applications, including ones that require long-term stability.

Industrial

Acetal copolymer has high strength and a low coefficient friction, making it suitable for use in high-stress, high-friction applications. For this reason, it is commonly used to manufacture washers as well as bushings, cams, and gears.

Petrochemical

Acetal copolymer is highly resistant to many solvents and chemicals, including alkalis, oils, and organic reagents. As such, washers made from it are well-suited for use in petrochemical piping systems.

Plumbing and Marine

Acetal washers demonstrate high corrosion resistance and low water vapor absorption. These qualities make them suitable for use in commercial and residential plumbing systems as well as in marine equipment.

Partner With New Process Fibre for Your Acetal Washer Needs

Acetal washers are employed in various applications throughout the industrial and commercial sectors. Lightweight, durable, and long-lasting, they are often used as an alternative to metallic washers.

If you need acetal washers, turn to the experts at New Process Fibre! We are an industry-leading manufacturer of non-metallic components. Our extensive fabrication experience, combined with our large inventory of production equipment, enables us to offer a range of in-house capabilities, including plastic sheet extrusion, tool making, prototyping, and full-scale production. These allow us to produce washers, spacers, gaskets, shims, and more.

Whether you need acetal flat washers made from natural or pigmented resins, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our fabrication capabilities. To discuss your component requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.