subject: Acetal Sheet- In Depth Tutorial And Information [print this page] Acetal plastic sheet is one of the most widely used plastic in the engineering sector. This polymer is created through the polymerization of formaldehyde. It is semi crystalline mechanical material and was initially used in the year 1960s. But its myriads advantages have allowed it to use extensively commercially in many applications.
Acetal sheet application
This plastic sheet is tough and hard but it has very good reaction to machine leaving a smooth and reliable finish. It absorbs very less moisture and so is an ideal in food manufacturing sector and also in areas where it often comes in contact with drinking water. Since it does not absorb or expands when it comes in contact with the water it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and hygienic to use. Low moisture absorption also results in excellent dimension stability for close tolerance machine parts. In high moisture environment it is best suited for close tolerance mechanical and electrical parts and electrical insulators which require strength and stiffness. This sheet acts as a self lubricating bearing surface or slide type applications. Moreover this unique characteristic absorption makes this a perfect material for valves, seats and moving parts in water filled areas (most white parts in toilet tanks are this material).
It also offers resistance to a wide range of chemicals including many solvents. Apart from this it is used in engine vehicle manufacturing sector due to its hard consistent quality. With this unique quality, designers are able to develop long lasting and durable components.
Acetal sheet grade option
Generally there are two distinct grade options available among which the popular is the co-polymer grade. Co-polymer grade is highly chemical resistance and hence can help in any food production application. Another grade is the homopolymer grade which has lower thermal expansion with slightly improved mechanical strength, stiffness and hardness that may help in specific environments, although this grade is approximately 10% more expensive and size availability range is more limited.
The temperature range of the Acetal Sheet
Acetal Sheet has an optimum long term service temperature that ranges approximately 100C and a maximum short term temperature range of approximately plus 130C. It gets melt at a temperature of plus 165C and it also has a minimum operating temperature of between -30C and -50C.
The different sizes of the Acetal Sheet
Acetal Sheet can be given myriads shapes to suit individual manufactures choices. But the most widely used size are either 2m x 1m or 3m x 500mm and current popular sheet thickness range from 2mm up to 70mm thick.
Acetals were specially created to compete with zinc and aluminum castings. The natural acetal rasin is white and can be easily colored according to our choice. So it can be easily used as decorative material for different purpose.
This unique material is gaining popularity due to its unique characteristics and is extensively used for myriads purpose.
