Summary for acetal vs abs gears Discussion
Acetal vs ABS gears is the core question here: Mick asks why a product would use Acetal instead of ABS for gears. Toby Padfield explains that Acetal, also called polyoxymethylene (POM), is a semi-crystalline polymer, while ABS is amorphous. In general, Toby says semi-crystalline polymers offer better creep resistance, fatigue strength, wear resistance, and solvent resistance than amorphous polymers. He notes that this is why highly stressed plastic parts such as gears and bearings typically use semi-crystalline materials. The thread does not compare cost or molding ease, but it does give a clear practical reason for the material choice: Acetal is usually better suited to loaded, wear-prone gear applications than ABS. Another poster simply thanks Toby for the concise explanation.
Q. Hello,
My name is Mick. I really need to know the benefits of using Acetal rather than ABS. We are about to market a product that uses Acetal for the gears rather than ABS. I am in sales and do not know ANYTHING about these two substances.
Thank You for your help
Mick Fyalkowski
Natl. Sales Manager – Greensburg, Pennsylvania, US
January 10, 2012
A. Acetal (also called polyoxymethylene or POM) is a semi-crystalline polymer, as are nylons and polyesters. ABS is an amorphous polymer, with polycarbonate and acrylic (PMMA) being other examples. In general, semi-crystalline polymers possess better creep resistance, fatigue strength, wear resistance and solvent resistance than amorphous polymers. This is why highly stressed plastic components like gears bearings typically use semi-crystalline polymers.
Toby Padfield
Automotive component & module supplier – Michigan, USA
January 23, 2012
A. Thanks for the concise and informative response, Toby.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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January 24, 2012