What are the advantages of PC and POM plastic?

- Mar 20, 2025 -

1. Introduction

In the realm of engineering plastics, both PC (Polycarbonate) and POM (Polyoxymethylene) stand out for their unique properties and applications. Choosing the right plastic material is crucial for ensuring durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in product design and manufacturing.

 

2. Durability and Impact Resistance: PC Plastic vs. POM Plastic

Polycarbonate (PC) Plastic

Exceptional impact resistance and strength

Ideal for high-stress applications like bullet-proof glass and riot shields

Maintains integrity over a wide range of temperatures

Polyoxymethylene (POM) Plastic

High stiffness and dimensional stability

Excellent resistance to creep, low friction, and wear

Perfect for precision parts in engineering applications like gears and bearings

Comparing these materials, PC’s superior impact resistance is due to its slightly elastic nature, while POM’s high tensile strength and fatigue resistance make it better for mechanical parts under continuous stress. Environmental conditions also play a role, with PC’s UV resistance making it suitable for outdoor applications, whereas POM may require treatment to prevent degradation.

 

3. Temperature Tolerance: Comparing PC Plastic and POM Plastic

PC Plastic

Amorphous thermoplastic with exceptional impact resistance and optical clarity

Withstands high operational temperatures, with a glass transition temperature around 147°C (297°F)

POM Plastic

Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high mechanical strength

Glass transition temperature around -60°C (-76°F), melts at approximately 165°C (329°F)

While both plastics demonstrate good heat resistance, PC offers better performance at lower temperatures and significant temperature drops, making it more versatile for varied thermal conditions. POM’s lower thermal expansion coefficient is beneficial for precision parts but may become brittle in extremely cold conditions.

 

4. Chemical Resistance: Evaluating PC Plastic and POM Plastic

PC Plastic

Impressive impact resistance and optical clarity

Moderate chemical resistance, vulnerable to alkalis and many organic solvents

POM Plastic

High mechanical strength and excellent fatigue and wear resistance

Superior resistance to hydrocarbons, solvents, and neutral chemicals

While PC offers clarity and impact resistance, its chemical vulnerability can limit its applications. POM’s robust chemical resistance and mechanical properties make it a more versatile choice for environments with significant chemical exposure.

 

5. Applications in Industry: How PC Plastic and POM Plastic are Used

PC Plastic

Automotive industry: vehicle windows, headlamp lenses, dashboards

Electronics: compact discs, DVDs, smartphone and laptop components

POM Plastic

Automotive sector: under-the-hood components, fuel system parts

Precision parts: gears, fasteners, pump components

Each material has tailored applications that leverage their strengths. PC is ideal for transparency and toughness, while POM excels in mechanical and structural applications requiring strength, precision, and chemical resistance.

 

6. Conclusion

In comparing PC (Polycarbonate) and POM (Polyoxymethylene) plastics, each material has distinct advantages depending on the application. PC plastic is superior for optical clarity, impact resistance, and temperature tolerance, making it ideal for automotive, construction, and protective gear applications. POM excels in high stiffness, low friction, and superior wear resistance, crucial for mechanical parts and precision components in engineering and electronics. Therefore, the choice between PC and POM should be based on specific application requirements, ensuring the selected material provides the best balance between cost and functionality.


7. About us

Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective products for global factories, plastic product manufacturers, and material distributors. Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. provides the best PP, PE, PVC, AVE,and  ABS material solutions for plastic product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, distributors, factory owners, processing workshops, etc.

 

If you are looking for general plastic materials, please feel free to get the latest prices and quotations from Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. The sales team will reply within 48 hours.