Polyacetals: polyoxymethylenes (POM)

The launch of polyacetals in the early 1960s marked the arrival in design offices of the first technical polymer to replace metals in parts with mechanical functions. Indeed, the properties of rigidity, surface hardness and long-term mechanical resistance, as well as the spring effect and very low coefficient of friction, enabled the development of self-lubricated axles, bearings and pinions, with considerable reductions in manufacturing and maintenance costs. As a result, plastics were able to shed their pejorative connotation of low-quality products and take their place in the market.