Acetal

Acetal is a versatile low-cost plastic, ideal for parts that require high mechanical strength and rigidity, while machining to very tight tolerances. It has good dimensional stability and chemical resistance, making it long-wearing. Unlike nylon, it has a very low moisture absorption rate, making it suitable for use in wet environments.

Acetal has a machining cost factor of 0.7 when compared to steel 12L14.

Industries & Applications

  • Gears
  • Bearings
  • Bushings
  • Electrical components
  • Pump components

Plastics Gallery

Plastic Cost Comparison

Type General Characteristics Alloy Common Applications Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar Material Cost Factor Machining Cost Factor
Plastics
Similar to nylon, better machinability
Acetal
Insulators, bearings, gears, bushings
Ground 4.4 .7

Common Material Cost Comparison

Type General Characteristics Alloy Common Applications Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar Material Cost Factor Machining Cost Factor
Steel
Designed for excellent machinability. Case hard only
12L14
Endless commercial products; probably more pounds used in turned products than any other bar stock
Cold drawn
0
1 1
Stainless Steel
Designed for machining, non-magnetic
303
Electronic hardware, automotive, aerospace, medical instruments, and many applications requiring corrosion resistance
Cold finished
+/- .002
1.9 2.7
Brass
Strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and excellent machinability
C35300
Well suited for parts with knurling or threading
+0015 3.5 .07
Aluminum
Designed for machining
2011
Electronic hardware, endless commercial products
Cold finish
+/-.0015
3.8 .6
Titanium
High strength, light weight, good bio-compatibility
Ti-6Al-4VEli
Medical implants
Ground & polished
+/-.002
30.2 6

To review our Machining Materials Guide, please click here.

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