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Read morePOM vs Nylon vs UHMWPE vs PTFE — Which Engineering Plastic?
07 October, 2026 | Admin
POM, nylon, UHMWPE and PTFE are the four engineering plastics most often considered for bushes, wear strips, rollers, gears, liners and seals. Each has a clear strength, and choosing the wrong one leads to early wear, swelling, creep or chemical attack. This POM vs Nylon vs UHMWPE vs PTFE comparison explains how they differ and how to pick the right material for your part.
Quick Comparison
| Property | POM (Acetal) | Nylon (PA6/PA66) | UHMWPE | PTFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiffness and strength | High | High (falls when wet) | Low | Low |
| Impact toughness | Good | Very good | Excellent | Good |
| Abrasion resistance | Good | Very good | Excellent | Fair (virgin) |
| Friction | Low | Low to moderate | Low | Lowest |
| Moisture absorption | Very low | High | Negligible | Negligible |
| Chemical resistance | Good (not strong acids) | Good (not strong acids) | Very good | Outstanding |
| Typical max. continuous temperature | ~100°C | ~80–100°C | ~80°C | ~260°C |
| Dimensional stability | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Poor (creep) |
| Relative cost | Moderate | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | High |
Values are typical and grade-dependent; confirm against the supplier’s data for your exact grade.
POM (Acetal): Precision and Stability
POM is stiff, machines to tight tolerances and hardly absorbs water. It is the first choice for precision gears, cams, bushes and valve parts that must hold dimensions in humid conditions. Avoid it in strong acids and oxidisers. See our POM acetal guide.
Nylon: Toughness and Economy
Nylon is tough and wear-resistant, absorbs shock and is economical, especially as cast nylon for large wheels, sheaves and bushes. Its weakness is moisture absorption, which causes swelling and lower stiffness. Allow clearance or choose POM for tight fits. See our nylon rods guide.
UHMWPE: Abrasion and Impact Champion
UHMWPE has outstanding abrasion and impact resistance with low friction and no moisture absorption. It is ideal for chute and hopper liners, conveyor wear strips, chain guides, dock fenders and marine parts. It is not stiff and is limited to about 80°C, so it is not suitable for precision or hot parts. See UHMWPE Sheets & Rods. UHMWPE stock shapes are a separate product line from SafeRig outrigger pads.
PTFE: Chemicals, Heat and Lowest Friction
PTFE resists almost all chemicals, works up to about 260°C and has the lowest friction of any solid plastic. It is the choice for seals, gaskets, valve seats and parts in aggressive media. It is soft and creeps under load, so filled grades are used for wear and load-bearing duty. See PTFE Grades Guide.
Choosing by Application
- Precision gears and cams: POM, or nylon for shock loads
- Heavy-duty wheels and sheaves: cast nylon
- Bushes in dry, humid conditions: POM; in dirty, shock-loaded conditions, nylon
- Chute liners and wear strips with abrasive bulk material: UHMWPE
- Seals and gaskets in chemicals or heat: PTFE
- Low-friction slide pads under load: filled PTFE or oil-filled nylon
- Food-contact parts: food-grade POM, UHMWPE or virgin PTFE, depending on duty
Questions to Answer Before You Choose
- What is the maximum operating temperature?
- What chemicals, oils or water will the part contact?
- Is the load static, sliding, rotating or impact?
- How tight must tolerances be, and is the environment humid or wet?
- Is abrasion from dirt or bulk material present?
Send us those answers and our team will recommend a material. Every order from Diode is supplied with a Material Test Certificate.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for bushes, POM or nylon?
POM holds tighter tolerances in humid conditions; nylon is tougher and better for shock loads and dirty environments.
Which plastic has the best abrasion resistance?
UHMWPE has the best abrasion resistance of the four, making it ideal for liners and wear strips.
Which plastic handles the highest temperature?
PTFE, with continuous service up to around 260°C.
Which of these plastics has the lowest friction?
PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid plastic.
Request a Quotation
Send your part drawings, operating conditions and quantities to our Al Khobar team and we will recommend and quote the right engineering plastic.
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