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-----ABS vs Acetal gears
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
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 PadfieldAutomotive component & module supplier - Michigan, USA
January 23, 2012
A. Thanks for the concise and informative response, Toby.
Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
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January 24, 2012
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