Why POM, PA and HMPE are the most commonly used plastics in mechanical engineering
Dozens of types of engineering plastics are used in mechanical engineering. However, there are three materials in particular that crop up time and again: POM, PA and HMPE. They make up the bulk of Lakwijk’s stock and are the most commonly sawn, milled and turned. This is no coincidence. Together, these three plastics meet a large proportion of the requirements set in mechanical engineering, at a price that is justifiable for most applications.
Wide range of applications in mechanical engineering
POM, PA and HMPE differ greatly in their properties, and it is precisely this combination that makes them so versatile when used together.
- POM is dimensionally stable and easy to machine, making it suitable for precision components such as gears and bearing sleeves.
- PA is strong and impact-resistant, and is therefore often used for components subjected to heavy mechanical loads.
- HMPE excels in wear resistance and low friction, and is widely used in guide systems and conveyor components.
As virtually every machine component falls into one of these categories, dimensional stability, strength or wear resistance, these three materials together cover the majority of demand from the mechanical engineering sector.
Ample stock and fast delivery times
As POM, PA and HMPE are in such high demand, Lakwijk keeps these materials in stock in the largest quantities and in the widest range of thicknesses. This enables fast delivery: parts that simply need to be cut to size can usually be delivered within one to two days.
For less common materials, stock levels are often lower, and not every thickness is available. These can usually be delivered from the factory within a week, but this is longer than for standard materials.
Good value for money
As well as availability, price plays a major role. POM, PA and HMPE offer sufficient performance for most applications in mechanical engineering at an attractive price.
High-performance plastics such as PEEK or PAI do indeed have superior properties, for example at high temperatures or under extreme loads, but they are also considerably more expensive. We therefore recommend these more expensive materials primarily when the application genuinely requires them, and not as a standard choice. For the vast majority of machine components, POM, PA or HMPE are sufficient.
The choice remains dependent on the application Although POM, PA and HMPE cover the vast majority of demand, the final choice is always based on the specific application. Load, temperature, moisture and chemical resistance may mean that a different material is more suitable after all.
Are you unsure which plastic material is best suited to your machine component? Lakwijk would be happy to discuss the application with you and then advise you on the most suitable choice of material. Please get in touch for bespoke advice.
