Our POM balls - Acetal
(+33) 4 77 90 51 29
The polyacetal ball The Commission's proposal for a Directive on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the placing on the market of certain goods and services within the Community (COM(2003) 435 final) outstanding technical properties. This high performance polymer material offers a convincing alternative to traditional metal beads, especially for applications where the chemical resistance and low friction are wanted. Discover the peculiarities of the acetal ball, also known as delrin ball or apple ball, as well as the different ways in which it optimizes the functioning of ball bearings and other demanding mechanical devices.
The polyacetal ball seduced by its excellent relationship between robustness, lightness and dimensional stability. Made from technical polymer resin, it meets the requirements of the ISO9001 certified industries that are seeking the reliability and repeatability of performance. An additional asset lies in its production assisted by rigorous quality control which guarantees the conformity of diameter of balls and their sphericity, two fundamental aspects to ensure mechanical accuracy expected.
Use of plastic ball as the polyacetal also reduces the total weight of assemblies, which is advantageous when designing dynamic systems such as ball bearings or high-speed rotary mechanisms. Sound low friction coefficient helps to limit the wear and tear of neighbouring components, especially when Lubrication must remain minimal.
Compared to other types of Industrial logs, the apple ball displays an excellent abrasion resistance while avoiding common problems of corrosion met with steel. Thanks to this chemical inertia, it perfectly integrates in humid or exposed environments solvents and moderate chemicals without the risk of premature degradation.
On the other hand, the thermal flexibility of polyacetal allows the ball to retain its main properties over a wide range of temperatures. This stability is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the mechanisms subject to frequent thermal cycles, particularly within the automated equipment and industrial handling.
Uniformity of diameter of balls conditions their compatibility with tight mechanical tolerances. In industrial production, strict metrological checks are applied to each batch in order to propose Polyacetal balls perfectly adapted to the manufacture of precision ball bearings. This criterion applies to both miniature models and large-format versions intended for the agricultural or automotive sector.
The strict respect for these diameter requirements ensures not only the fluidity of movement but also minimizes the risks of blockage or temperature rise due to misalignment.
Thanks to its physicochemical qualities, the acetal ball integrates many sophisticated industrial equipment. Its versatility is found in both general mechanics and specialized devices requiring high purity or absence of metal contamination.
Engineers favour industrial ball with a polyacetal base to effectively replace certain alloys when reduced maintenance is strategic or Electrical conductivity parts must remain very weak.
The delrin ball distinguished by an excellent mechanical restraint compared to other plastics such as polyamide or PVC. Under dynamic load, it effectively limits the stress deformation, extending the life of the ball bearing used. In addition, its naturally smooth surface reduces the micro hooks capable of generating noise or harmful vibration.
These characteristics favour its adoption in the Machine tools, optical instruments or robotic automation systems. Even if there are significant demands, the apple ball keeps its structural stability and its damping capacity, appreciated in sensitive mechanisms.
Another major argument lies in the excellent resistance of polyacetal to many chemical agents. Where a steel ball could be rapidly altered, plastic ball ensures durability and safe operation. This is particularly noticeable in saline, low acidic or alkaline media, which are regularly encountered in certain industrial process.
By combining corrosion resistance, Electrical insulation and sensitivity to electrostatic discharges, the Polyacetal precision ball It is central to various processes where reliability takes precedence over gross performance alone.
In order to select the most suitable solution for a given industrial problem, it remains appropriate to compare objectively the properties offered by materials available on the market. Here is a summary table to guide this choice:
| Characteristics | Polyacetal ball | Stainless steel drum | Ceramic bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | High (miscellaneous media) | Good (except strong acidic agents) | Excellent |
| Dimensional stability | Very good | Very good | Exceptional |
| Lightness | Very light | Average | Light |
| Electrical conductivity | Non-conductor | Driver | Non-conductor |
| Thermal range | -40 °C to +120 °C | -100 °C to +300 °C | -200 °C to +800 °C |
| Overall cost | Competitive | Medium/high | High |
The rigorous selection of diameter of balls is an essential step in ensuring compatibility with the intended application. Accurate adjustment avoids excessive play or abnormal clamping points in a rotating or guided set. This parameter also influences the noise generated during operation, often underestimated in the Automated manufacturing.
When integrating into ball bearings or various joints, the tolerances recommended by the manufacturer shall be scrupulously respected, in particular if the parts are subject to recurrent temperature variations or repeated shocks.
If acetal ball offers a wide spectrum of industrial applications, some constraints remain. In the face of extreme compression forces or sustained high temperatures, detailed analysis is required to avoid any loss of rigidity. Similarly, in areas exposed to strong oxidizing agents, other polymer resins or Ceramics can offer greater sustainability.
The optimal use of these balls also implies the assessment of potential interactions with other components of the mechanical system in order to avoid any risk of incompatibility, be it support, cage or grease used during the initial assembly.
One regular system inspection hosting the industrial ball allows to anticipate the appearance of localized wear and tear. Taking preventive action on the Lubrication, when compatible with polyacetal, preserves a flexible long-term operation. Adoption of gentle cleaning procedures, without aggressive solvents, protects the surface and avoids deterioration of the Intrinsic mechanical properties Ball.
Finally, select a recognized supplier for the Control of manufacture of precision polyacetal ball reduces the risk of production anomalies and promotes sustainable and reliable industrial integration.
Our sales department will answer you as soon as possible!

Monday to Thursday: From 8:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:30
Friday : From 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm

3, rue de l'Artisanat,
Moulin du Gillier Industrial Zone
42290 Sorbers, FRANCE

Tel: (+33) 4 77 90 51 29
Mail: contact@marteau-lemarie.com

3, rue de l'Artisanat
Moulin du Gillier Industrial Zone
42290 Sorbers, FRANCE
+33477905129
contact@marteau-lemarie.com