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
View more products on our Gallery Page
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.
