Laser Cutting & Engraving Delrin/POM

What is Delrin /POM?           

Delrin is a thermoplastic based on Polyoxymethylene (POM). It is also called other names, such as acetal, polyacetal and acetal homopolymer. Delrin was measured by CO2 laser cutting with a wavelength of 10.6 microns. The cut was clean and the edge was smooth. Delrin uses 10.6 micron wavelength CO2 laser engraving to produce high levels of detail and relief. In some cases, a fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.06 microns can be used to control Delrin laser marking. Black Delrin - the black Delrin in carbon based pigments - is heated by a laser beam, causing the surrounding polymer to blister. The foam scattering light is Delrin gray and the surface is indelible. 

Delrin, it is a semi crystalline engineering grade thermoplastic, which is widely used to manufacture high-precision parts. In general, Delrin Impressive dimensional stability and sliding performance. It is famous for its high strength, wide operating temperature range (- 40°C to 120°C) and excellent mechanical properties.

Composition and Properties             

POM is an acronym for polyoxymethylene, but it is usually called acetal, polyacetal and polyoxymethylene. It is a technical and engineering thermoplastic used for precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction and good dimensional stability.            

It has strong traction and impact resistance, as well as excellent dimensional stability (able to maintain its original size under heating or any external modification source). POM is not affected by water, brine or any common solvents. In fact, it is difficult to dissolve this substance at high temperature. POM will be affected by solar ultraviolet rays after long-term exposure, but anti ultraviolet stabilizers can be used to double its service life. 

POM is a material with several advantages, both ease of use and durability. The technical properties of POM may vary depending on the thickness, but it is always very resistant and has incredible geometric stability. 

When it comes to shrinkage and tolerances. POM material glows under LED lights and is very resistant to cracking and cracking. All these properties make it ideal for technical parts, especially those that must withstand a lot of strain and friction. POM is impact resistant, weighs half as much as glass, and is so easy to use that it can be sawed, drilled, routed, screen printed and shaped. POM is an excellent material for making internal parts for projects and industrial tools and spare parts. This makes it very different from acrylic, our other polymer material for laser cutting, which is much less resistant.

However, POM is not suitable for aesthetic products because its surface is not covered by plastic foil during the laser cutting and engraving process, which means some small scratches and some burn marks will appear on its surface. We recommend using it as an internal part of your project. 

Technology POM is used in thousands of products because of its high quality, excellent wear resistance, easy processing and design flexibility. From automotive parts to gears, hinges, locks and many other applications. In fact, POM is waterproof, which means that POM can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and parts that need to be soaked in oil for a long time (usually some motor parts).             

What are the advantages of POM material?            

Toughness and high resistance to repeated impacts. Long-term fatigue endurance. Excellent resistance to moisture, gasoline, solvents, and many other neutral chemicals. Excellent dimensional stability.  

Advantages of Delrin:

• High mechanical strength and rigidity
• Toughness and high resistance to repeated impacts
• Long-term fatigue endurance
• Excellent resistance to moisture, gasoline, solvents, and many other neutral chemicals
• Great dimensional stability
• Good elasticity and creep resistance  
• Natural lubricity
• Heat resistant (105°C to 120°C)
• Wide end-use temperature range
• Good electrical insulating characteristics 

Due to its versatility, Delrin finds uses in a number of applications including:

• Automotives
• Industrial equipments
• Consumer goods
• Medical equipments
• Electrical equipments 

Processing Delrin with a laser

POM is a material suitable for different types of operations, but it is not easy to paint or bond. The surface must be prepared and polished to allow paint or glue to adhere to the smooth surface of the POM. However, it can be sawn, drilled, wired, decorated, wire screened and shaped. Which is a technical material used in automobile and consumer electronics industries. It is very suitable for objects such as spectacle frames, pinions or some types of handles.

Laser cutting of Delrin

Laser cutting is a digital subtraction manufacturing technology, including the use of laser cutting or engraving materials. Laser cutting can be used for many materials, such as plastic, wood, paperboard and so on. This process involves cutting the material using a powerful and highly accurate laser focusing on a small area of the material. High power density leads to rapid heating, melting and partial or complete evaporation of materials. Typically, a computer points a high-power laser at the material and tracks the path. Laser cutting Delrin is very good, leaving smooth, clean and non sharp edges. Cutting is accurate and usually does not require additional surface treatment. 

Laser engraving of Delrin

Laser engraving (or laser etching) is a subtractive manufacturing method that uses a laser beam to change the surface of an object. This process is mainly used to create images on materials that can be seen at the eye level. To this end, the laser generates high heat and evaporates the material, thereby exposing the cavity forming the final image. This method is fast because each laser pulse removes the material. It can be used on almost any kind of metal, plastic, wood, leather or glass surface. As a special instruction of our transparent acrylic, when carving a part, you must ensure that the image is mirrored so that the image can be displayed correctly when you view the part from the front. Laser engraving of Delrin hardly changes its color in the engraving area, but allows the removal of material and is suitable for soft marking and material subtraction. 

What can you do with Delrin/POM material ?            

POM is a technical thermoplastic with strong engineering capabilities, so you can use it for many technical components, such as gears, hinges, handles or locks. This material is considered weatherproof and waterproof. Its high quality, ease of processing, design flexibility and durability enable POM to be used in thousands of products, from auto parts to gears, hinges, locks and more. The material is widely used in automotive and consumer electronics industries. It is resistant and has incredible geometric stability. In the cutting process, POM will not deform, and its smooth surface can achieve perfect cutting effect.

• Laser cutting of delrin gears 

• Laser cutting of a designed mechanical partof 4 mm thick delrin

• Laser cutting POM

Applications:Engineering parts, machine parts, fasteners, parts for prototypes, parts for electronics. 

The innovative and efficient Monport laser engraving machine can quickly and easily carve and cut a large number of different materials, including Delrin. Thermoplastic resin is often used as a substitute for metal materials because of its special properties. It is widely used in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, furniture manufacturing and other fields. Laser engraving polyoxymethylene is a non-contact process. It has been proved that it is extremely mild to materials and has wear resistance, heat resistance and acid resistance. Even in challenging designs, Monport's laser cutting machine can present satisfactory results!

Key Takeaways

1. Material Properties: Delrin/POM exhibits high mechanical strength, rigidity, and excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for parts requiring durability and precision.

2. Applications: Widely used in automotive parts, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and more due to its toughness, resistance to chemicals, and low friction properties.

3. Laser Processing Advantages: Laser cutting and engraving of Delrin provide precise, clean cuts with smooth edges, maintaining material integrity and allowing for intricate designs.

4. Versatility: Its ease of processing—sawing, drilling, routing, and shaping—makes Delrin a preferred choice for technical components that demand reliability and performance.

5. Future Potential: As technology advances, Delrin continues to innovate in manufacturing processes, adapting to meet the evolving demands of various industries worldwide.

Conclusion

Delrin, also known as POM or polyoxymethylene, stands out as a versatile thermoplastic with exceptional mechanical properties ideal for high-precision engineering applications. Its strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture and chemicals make it indispensable in industries ranging from automotive and industrial equipment to consumer goods and medical devices. Laser cutting and engraving technologies further enhance its utility, offering precise and clean results without compromising its structural integrity.