As a supplier of POM CNC turn-mill steering components, I've witnessed firsthand the growing demand for high - precision steering parts in various industries. In this blog, I'll delve into the differences between POM (Polyoxymethylene) and other materials commonly used in CNC turn - mill steering components.
1. Material Properties
POM
POM is a high - performance engineering thermoplastic. It has excellent mechanical properties, including high stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability. One of the key features of POM is its low friction coefficient, which makes it ideal for steering components where smooth movement is crucial. For example, in automotive steering systems, the low friction of POM allows for easy and precise steering control.
Moreover, POM has good chemical resistance. It can withstand exposure to many common chemicals, oils, and solvents. This property is essential in steering components as they may come into contact with various lubricants and fluids during operation.
Other Materials
- Metals (e.g., Aluminum and Steel)
Aluminum is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity. It is often used in applications where weight reduction is a priority. However, compared to POM, aluminum has a relatively high friction coefficient, which may require additional lubrication in steering components. Steel, on the other hand, is extremely strong and durable. But it is much heavier than POM, which can be a drawback in applications where weight affects performance, such as in aerospace or high - performance automotive steering. - Other Plastics (e.g., ABS and Polycarbonate)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a widely used plastic known for its impact resistance. However, its mechanical strength and stiffness are generally lower than those of POM. Polycarbonate has excellent transparency and high impact resistance, but it may not have the same low - friction and dimensional stability properties as POM, which are vital for steering components.
2. Machinability
POM
POM is highly machinable in CNC turn - mill operations. It can be easily cut, drilled, and turned with high precision. During the machining process, POM produces clean chips, which reduces the risk of clogging the cutting tools. This results in a more efficient machining process and better surface finish on the steering components. For instance, when manufacturing complex - shaped steering parts, the ease of machining POM allows for the production of parts with tight tolerances and smooth surfaces.
Other Materials
- Metals
Machining metals like aluminum and steel requires more powerful cutting tools and higher cutting forces. Steel, in particular, is more difficult to machine due to its high hardness. The machining process may also generate a significant amount of heat, which can lead to thermal deformation of the parts if not properly managed. Additionally, the chips produced during metal machining can be sharp and difficult to handle, increasing the risk of tool damage. - Other Plastics
Some plastics, such as ABS, may have issues with melting or deforming during machining if the cutting parameters are not carefully controlled. Polycarbonate can also be prone to cracking during machining, especially when making sharp cuts or holes.
3. Cost
POM
The cost of POM is generally moderate. While it may be more expensive than some common plastics like ABS, it is often more cost - effective than metals such as steel or titanium. The relatively low machining cost of POM also contributes to its overall cost - effectiveness. For small to medium - scale production of steering components, POM can offer a good balance between performance and cost.
Other Materials
- Metals
Metals are usually more expensive, especially high - strength alloys and specialty metals. The cost of raw materials, along with the high machining costs associated with metals, can make them a less economical choice for some applications. For example, titanium is extremely strong and lightweight but is very expensive, which limits its use to high - end or specialized steering components. - Other Plastics
The cost of other plastics varies widely. Some low - cost plastics like ABS are very affordable, but their performance may not meet the requirements for steering components. On the other hand, high - performance plastics like polycarbonate can be relatively expensive, and their properties may not be as well - suited for steering applications as POM.
4. Application Suitability
POM
POM is well - suited for a wide range of steering applications. In automotive steering systems, POM components can provide smooth and reliable steering performance. Its low friction and high wear resistance make it ideal for parts such as steering bushes and gears. In industrial machinery steering, POM's chemical resistance and dimensional stability ensure long - term performance in harsh environments. You can learn more about our POM CNC Turn - Mill Steering Components.
Other Materials
- Metals
Metals are often used in heavy - duty steering applications where high strength and durability are required. For example, in large trucks and construction equipment, steel steering components can withstand the high loads and stresses. Aluminum is used in applications where weight reduction is critical, such as in some racing cars. - Other Plastics
Other plastics may be used in less - demanding steering applications or in situations where specific properties are needed. For example, ABS may be used in some consumer - grade steering products where cost is a major factor and impact resistance is more important than high - precision steering performance.
5. Surface Finish and Wear Resistance
POM
POM has a natural smooth surface finish, which is beneficial for steering components as it reduces friction and wear. Additionally, POM has good wear resistance, which means that the steering components made of POM can maintain their performance over a long period of time. This is especially important in steering systems where continuous movement and contact between parts occur.
Other Materials
- Metals
Metals may require additional surface treatments, such as plating or coating, to improve their wear resistance and surface finish. Without proper treatment, metals can be prone to corrosion and wear, which can affect the performance of the steering components. - Other Plastics
Some plastics may not have the same level of wear resistance as POM. For example, ABS may wear out more quickly under high - stress conditions, which can lead to a decrease in the performance of the steering components over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, POM offers several advantages over other materials in CNC turn - mill steering components. Its combination of excellent mechanical properties, high machinability, cost - effectiveness, and suitability for a wide range of applications makes it a preferred choice for many steering component manufacturers. If you are in the market for high - quality POM CNC turn - mill steering components, I encourage you to contact us for procurement and further discussions. We are committed to providing you with the best - quality products and services to meet your specific needs.
References
- "Engineering Plastics Handbook", John Wiley & Sons
- "CNC Machining Technology", Industrial Press Inc.
- "Steering System Design and Analysis", SAE International