POM (polyoxymethylene, also known as acetal) is an engineering plastic with high strength, low friction and excellent wear resistance. POM work sheets are used in the machine industry, production, transport and food handling. In this guide you get an overview of properties, applications and fabrication – so you can choose the right POM sheet for your project.
Why should I choose POM work sheets for industry?
Work sheets in POM are plastic sheets made from polyoxymethylene (POM), an engineering plastic material with high strength, wear resistance and excellent mechanical properties. POM is ideal for industrial applications where there are major demands on precision, load, low friction and long service life. POM sheets are widely used in the machine industry, technical constructions and production, because the material handles demanding usage scenarios while being easy to fabricate with both plastic and metal tools.
See our range of work sheets for the industry here
What is POM?
POM stands for polyoxymethylene, also known as acetal or acetal plastic. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic known for its high stiffness, strength and low friction, while also offering good dimensional stability and wear resistance. The material also has low moisture absorption and resists many chemical influences, making it suitable for high-load industrial environments. POM comes in two main variants:
- POM-C (copolymer): best dimensional stability, food-approved, resistant to hot water
- POM-H (homopolymer): higher stiffness and strength, but less chemical resistance
In everyday speech, POM is often called "Delrin" – which is DuPont's brand name for POM-H.
Advantages of work sheets in POM
High mechanical strength and hardness:
POM sheets have excellent strength and hardness, making them suitable for industrial work surfaces subjected to heavy loads and wear.
Long service life and wear resistance:
The material is highly wear-resistant and can withstand repeated use and movement without losing shape or function – one of the industry's most hard-wearing plastic types.
Low friction:
POM has a naturally low coefficient of friction (0.2–0.35), giving smooth sliding movement and reduced wear on moving parts and tools.
Dimensional stability:
POM sheets retain their shape and size under varying temperatures and loads – ideal for precision tasks and industrial processes.
Chemical and moisture resistance:
The material is resistant to many chemicals (solvents, oils, fuels) and has very low moisture absorption (0.2%).
Temperature resistance:
POM can be used at temperatures from –50°C to +100°C continuously and briefly up to 140°C.
Easy fabrication:
POM can be cut, drilled, milled, turned and formed with ordinary tools for plastic and metal without losing its material properties.
What are POM work sheets used for?
POM is widely used in industry for components that require strength, precision and low friction.
Machine parts and components
POM is suitable for hard-wearing, precise machine parts such as gears, drive wheels, plain bearings, guide rails and bushings – often integrated into work surfaces and production equipment.
Transport and logistics equipment
POM sheets are used in roller tracks, conveyor rails and guide systems, where low friction and high wear resistance are decisive for efficient operation.
Various industrial components
The material is also used for rollers, wheels, fittings, fasteners and precision parts, where the demands on durability and mechanical performance are high.
Food production and hygiene requirements
POM-C is food-approved and is used in food production for cutting tables, parts in filling machines and conveyor belts – where hygiene, chemical resistance and wear resistance are important.
How do you choose the right POM work sheet?
Project requirements:
- Assess what strength, thickness and load the work surface must handle
- Typical thicknesses: 5–50 mm
- Heavy loads: choose thicker sheets (20+ mm)
- Sliding movement: thin sheets are often sufficient
POM-C or POM-H:
- Food production or wet environment: POM-C
- Maximum stiffness and strength: POM-H (Delrin)
- Standard industry: POM-C is usually the best choice
Temperature and chemicals:
- If the work surface will be used in environments with high temperatures or specific chemical exposure, check the data sheet for compatibility
- POM does not withstand concentrated acids or alkalis
Fabrication:
- Consider which fabrication methods are needed (cutting, drilling, milling, turning)
- POM is usually fabricated with standard metalworking equipment
How to fabricate and install POM work sheets
POM can be fabricated with standard metalworking equipment and gives precise results.
Cutting
Use saws and tools suitable for engineering plastic or metal for precise, clean edges. POM produces good swarf and can be cut on a circular saw, band saw or with CNC.
Drilling
Use sharp drill bits intended for plastic or metal. POM drills easily and without chipping. Low to moderate speed is recommended.
Milling and turning
POM is one of the best plastic materials for CNC machining – it can be milled, turned and threaded without problems. The results are very precise.
Installation
POM work sheets can be installed with screws, fittings or mechanical fixing. Gluing can be challenging due to POM's low surface energy – use a special primer or mechanical fixing instead.
Typical uses of work sheets in POM
POM work sheets are typically used for:
- Industrial tables and workstations in production
- Production lines and assembly benches
- Machine guards and technical platforms
- Roller tracks, guide rails and conveyor equipment
- Custom-made parts with precision requirements
- Cutting sheets in the food industry
- Fixtures and jigs in production
- Parts in packaging and filling machines
- Gears, drive wheels and plain bearings
- Racks and storage solutions in technical environments
POM vs other engineering plastics
POM vs PE (polyethylene):
- POM: higher strength and dimensional stability
- PE: better chemical resistance and lower price
POM vs PA (polyamide/nylon):
- POM: lower moisture absorption and better dimensional stability
- PA: better impact strength and flexibility
POM vs PTFE (Teflon):
- POM: higher strength and hardness
- PTFE: lower friction and better chemical resistance
POM vs PEEK:
- POM: considerably cheaper
- PEEK: better high-temperature resistance (up to 250°C)
POM often hits the optimal balance between strength, wear resistance, dimensional stability and price for industrial use.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about POM work sheets.
Is POM better than other plastics for industrial use?
POM is particularly suitable when there is a need for high strength, low friction, good wear resistance and dimensional stability in industrial environments. For other combinations of requirements (for example extreme chemical resistance or very high temperatures), other engineering plastics may be better.
Can POM work sheets be used in food production?
Yes. POM-C grades are food-approved (EU 10/2011 and FDA) and can be used in environments with hygiene and cleaning requirements. POM-H is not always food-approved.
Can I have POM sheets cut to measure?
Yes. We offer cutting of POM sheets to precise measurements for your project needs (cut-to-size). We can also supply CNC-machined parts for special requirements.
Which POM thickness should I choose?
For light work surfaces and smaller components: 5–10 mm. For standard industrial tables: 15–25 mm. For heavy loads and machine tables: 30–50 mm.
What is the difference between POM-C and POM-H (Delrin)?
POM-C (copolymer) has better dimensional stability, a lower risk of cracking and is food-approved. POM-H (homopolymer, Delrin) has higher stiffness and strength, but is more brittle and not always food-approved. For standard industry, POM-C is usually chosen.
How long do POM work sheets last?
With correct use, POM work sheets often last 10–20+ years in an industrial environment. Actual service life depends on load, chemical exposure and temperature.
See our range of work sheets for the industry
See all work sheets for the industry here
See plastic rods and tubes (POM, PVC, acrylic)
See foam PVC
Unsure which POM sheet to choose, or do you need special fabrication? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
