A Practical Guide for Engineers and Manufacturers
Introduction
If you’ve ever dealt with noisy plastic parts, you know how frustrating it can be. Squeaks, rattles, and friction sounds can lower product quality and lead to customer complaints. Engineers and manufacturers work hard to solve this problem, often by choosing the right material.
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, is a high-performance plastic known for its low friction and wear resistance. It is commonly used in gears, bearings, and sliding parts where smooth, quiet operation is important. But how exactly does POM help reduce friction noise? And what can you do to optimize it for your application?
This guide explains the causes of friction noise and how POM can be a solution.
What Causes Friction Noise?
Friction noise happens when two surfaces rub together. This can create squeaking or rattling sounds, especially in plastic parts under load or movement. Several factors contribute to this:
- Material choice – Some plastics, like ABS or nylon, have higher friction, which increases noise.
- Surface finish – Rough surfaces create more resistance, leading to vibrations and sound.
- Load and pressure – Higher loads press materials together, increasing friction.
- Lubrication – The lack of a lubricant can make surfaces stick and slip, creating noise.
- Environmental factors – Temperature and humidity changes can affect friction levels.
POM is designed to reduce these issues.
Why POM is Ideal for Reducing Friction Noise
POM has several properties that make it a good choice for quiet, low-friction applications:
- Low coefficient of friction – This means POM surfaces slide smoothly with less resistance.
- Self-lubricating properties – POM naturally reduces friction without the need for extra lubricants.
- High wear resistance – It lasts longer under repeated motion compared to many other plastics.
- Dimensional stability – It doesn’t expand or shrink as much as other materials in different temperatures, keeping parts moving smoothly.
Because of these qualities, POM is widely used in automotive, electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery where quiet performance matters.
How to Optimize POM for Noise Reduction
While POM already reduces noise, you can take additional steps to get the best performance:
- Use the right POM grade – Some grades contain additives like PTFE or silicone to further lower friction.
- Improve surface finish – Smoother surfaces reduce vibration and noise.
- Consider lubrication – While POM is self-lubricating, some applications benefit from extra lubrication.
- Match materials carefully – Pairing POM with another low-friction material can further reduce noise.
- Control load and pressure – Reducing excessive force between moving parts can minimize noise.
Testing different combinations will help you find the best solution for your specific needs.
Real-World Applications of POM in Noise Reduction
Many industries use POM to solve friction noise problems:
- Automotive – Used in gears, window regulators, and door lock components for smooth, quiet operation.
- Consumer electronics – Found in hinges, sliders, and moving parts to reduce noise in devices.
- Medical devices – Helps create frictionless movement in surgical and diagnostic tools.
- Industrial machinery – Used in conveyor systems, robotic joints, and guide rails to reduce wear and noise.
These applications show how POM provides long-term noise reduction while maintaining durability.
Common Concerns About Using POM
Some engineers hesitate to use POM due to concerns about cost, processing, and performance. Here are answers to some common questions:
- Is POM expensive? – While POM may cost more than standard plastics, its durability and low friction can reduce maintenance costs over time.
- Is POM hard to process? – POM is easy to injection mold and machine, making it a practical choice for manufacturers.
- Can POM handle extreme conditions? – POM performs well under a wide range of temperatures and loads, though some grades are better suited for high-heat applications.
Understanding these factors can help you decide if POM is the right material for your project.
Conclusion
Friction noise can be a serious problem in plastic components. POM offers a practical solution due to its low friction, self-lubricating properties, and durability. By choosing the right POM grade and optimizing design factors, you can significantly reduce noise in your applications.
If you’re looking for a material that improves performance and minimizes sound, POM is worth considering.