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Home 9 CNC Machining 9 Delrin CNC Machining: Everything You Need to Know

Delrin CNC Machining: Everything You Need to Know

Author: Yaozu Deng
Published on: 2022-12-09

Plastics are essential materials in various CNC machining projects. Their lightweight, excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and high machinability make them suitable for many applications, from simple toys to advanced automotive parts.

There are numerous material alternatives when it comes to plastic CNC machining. The most often used plastics in CNC machining projects include PTFE, ABS, Nylon, Delrin, and Polycarbonate and PVC machining. Each of these plastics has distinct qualities and uses. This article will focus on Delrin’s CNC machining, including its properties, advantages, and applications.

 

What is Delrin?

Delrin CNC machining

Delrin CNC machining

The engineering thermoplastic named Delrin is a particular type of acetal polymer. Delrin CNC is also known as POM CNC (polyoxymethylene ) in the manufacturing sector. Delrin’s high structural integrity, tensile strength, stiffness, chemical inertness, and other various properties are extensively useful.

Formation of Delrin involves hydrocarbon fuel distillation followed by polymerization or poly-condensation process with a catalyst. Delrin can be utilized in various manufacturing approaches, such as Injection molding, 3D printing, and CNC machining to shape into desirable parts.

For the CNC machining, Delrin comes in sheets and bar forms. These shapes can be manipulated by milling, cutting, routing, drilling, and other machining processes. Now, let’s see what the popular Delrin machining grades are.

PTFE It stands for polytetrafluoroethylene and offers excellent wear resistance and impact strength.
Glass-reinforced (30% Glass Filled) Delrin is reinforced with glass to customize the thermal capability and mechanical strength.
FDA It is highly chemically resistive and suitable for food processing and medical equipment.

More resources:

Exploring the Differences: 3D Printing vs CNC Machining in Modern Manufacturing

Why is CNC Machining Better than Injection Molding for Thermoplastic Prototyping?

 

What are the Properties of Delrin?

Delrin sheet

Delrin sheet

Delrin is a semi-crystalline rigid plastic that offers a range of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.

  • Mechanical Strength

Because of its high mechanical strength & hardness, Delrin is often considered the best alternative to metal in many CNC machining projects.

The strength of Delrin ranges from 60 – 89.6 MPa, and yield strength between 48.6 – 72.4 MPa. It is a high-strength-to-weight plastic that can withstand heavy force and pressure.

  • High Impact resistance

It can withstand sudden forces and does not fail. Delrin can preserve all the properties under continuous and rapid shocks. The high toughness of Delrin makes it capable of handling impact forces.

  • Moisture resistance

Delrin is a water-resistant material that nearly never absorbs water and retains its structural integrity for a long time. As a result, it can be used in CNC machining to create underwater and water-sealing parts.

  • Electrical insulation

It offers excellent electrical insulation and can sustain high electrical stress. It can insulate high electrical voltage, and superior moisture resistance supports this character.

  • Rigidity

Delrin is a compact and challenging material as compared to other plastics. However, rigidity does not influence CNC machining capabilities. It also prevents wear & tear, making it highly durable.

  • Lubricity & low friction

Because of its slippery nature, Delrin offers excellent lubricity. It produces low friction while it rubs (contacts each other), which is very useful for low-friction applications.

Related resources:

CNC Machining: Plastic parts

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CNC Machining of Delrin

Because of their high machinability character, Delrin workpieces can be manipulated into the desired shape using CNC Plastic machining operations, such as milling, turning, routing, and drilling.

Delrin can be machined with hard-steel tools, similar to aluminum and copper. It produces the best machining quality with a low feed rate and high cutting speed. In addition, coolants are necessary while machining at a high cutting speed of 250 ft/min (SPEEDS AND FEEDS, 2020).

Delrin CNC Milling

CNC-milled Delrin part

CNC-milled Delrin part

Milling is the most common CNC machining operation with Delrin to create different shapes. Sharp cutting edges are recommended to facilitate continuous chip formations. Delrin milling requires single-fluted mills to prevent heat formation and low chip clearance.

Delrin CNC Drilling

Delrin’s drilling can withstand the standard twist drill. Ground-flat leading edges of drills are the ideal choice when drilling Delrin, and they can be altered by changing lip angles. The perfect scenario is a cutting speed of 1500 rpm, 118° twist drill, medium feed, and no coolant (General Design Principles ).

Delrin CNC Turning

Turning of Delrin material is quite similar to brass turning operation. It demands high speed and medium feed rate grounded tool bits for smooth operation. A chip breaker can be beneficial in preventing large chip formation, which will also restrict drag and interference.

Blanking & Punching

For the small size parts, blanking & shaping of Delrin sheets is the perfect option. It can be punched using hand-or automated punching press with high speed. The sheet cracking is a significant problem in punching or blanking the Delrin sheet, which can be solved by pre-heating the sheet.

 

Advantages of Delrin CNC machining

Using Delrin in CNC machining projects is beneficial for prototype development to mass production. Let’s discuss some of the specific advantages in detail.

  • Machinability

It is CNC-machining thermoplastic with a free-cutting character that can be machined with standard cutting tools. Delrin can retain a high degree of dimensional precision with the proper cutting speed and feed rate and doesn’t hurt the machining tools. In addition, it does not get deformed in any CNC machining conditions.

  • Accuracy & complex shapes

It is highly compatible with CNC machining operations and can maintain high accuracy. If the designs are not very complex, it is possible to machine them with tolerances as small as ±0.0005″. The excellent dimensional stability facilitates the creation of complex parts. It does not necessitate a particular set-up in addition to a CNC machine.

  • Durable parts

CNC machining of Delrin creates durable parts. The excellent creep resistance and fatigue endurance make it functional for an extended period.

  • High production speed

Creation of Delrin parts with CNC machining provides a fast turnaround. The high machinability allows for lower cycle time and boosts the production rate.

  • Wide range of working temperature

Delrin parts are capable of working in a wide range of temperatures. It can be used in operating environments of -40 0C to 120 0C without losing properties (Amanda, 2021).

 

Limitations of Delrin CNC Machining

Delrin CNC machining has various restrictions and disadvantages as well. Understanding these restrictions lowers the likelihood of errors and failures.

  • Difficult to bond: It has low compatibility with adhesives. Although, Delrin can quickly bond if you compare it with POM copolymers.
  • Flammability: Delrin has a decent level of flammability, and it can burn as long as there is oxygen.
  • Thermal Sensitivity: Delrin works in the temperature range of -40 to 80 C and will deform if the operating temperature becomes slightly less or more than this range.

 

What are the surface finishing options for Delrin parts?

Delrin part with bead blasting finish

Delrin part with bead blasting finish

As-machined surface finishing could be sufficient in some applications, such as furniture parts. However, most applications require surface finish operation of CNC-machined Delrin parts to remove tool marks and obtain an appealing surface.

Deburring In most cases, the deburring brush can remove the attached chips, burrs, and tool marks from the Delrin surface.
Bead blasting Delrin parts can be blasted with sand, glass buds, or other abrasive media to get a uniform finish throughout the surface.
Metallic coating Based on the intended use, metallic coating of aluminum, copper, and other metal can be a fine choice for surface finishing.

There are other surface finishing options for CNC-machined Delrin parts, such as painting, hot stamping, laser marking, etc.

 

Is Delrin the best replacement for metal CNC machining?

Due to various corresponding qualities, Delrin is regarded as the ideal substitute for metal and alloys in CNC machining projects. Like metals and alloys, it provides outstanding strength, toughness, machinability, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and other advantages.

In addition to these similarities, it provides other properties such as electrical and moisture resistance. However, Delrin can lack some criteria for metal & alloy machining. The low-cost and lightweight nature defiantly makes it a suitable alternative to metals.

The specifications and intended use of the machined parts will determine whether Delrin is a perfect substitute for metals in your CNC machining project.

 

Applications of Delrin CNC Machining

Delrin part

Delrin part

 

Delrin CNC machining applies for prototype development to large-volume production. Let’s overview some of the key applications in depth.

  • Automotive parts

Different parts in the automotive industry rely on Delrin CNC machining. The high strength and low weight make it the best material option for door lock systems, fuel sender units, windows gears, gas caps, hardware of seat belts, and loudspeaker grilles.

  • Oil & gas

Since Delrin does not react with harsh chemicals and fuels, it is a good choice for oil and gas equipment, such as pipes, storage tanks, transportation system components, and other diverse petroleum-handling elements.

  • Furniture

Delrin CNC machining can be used to make both basic furniture and the separate components of luxurious furniture. Some examples include handles, locks, physical structure, and many more.

  • Electrical & Electronics

Delrin’s electrical insulation behavior is advantageous for creating electrical parts such as insulators, housing, connectors, bobbins, switches, and more.

  • Food processing & Medical

Additional lubricants in food processing and medical equipment can cause contamination, whereas Delrin parts can be used without external lubricants because of their natural lubricity nature.

  • Consumer Devices

If you look closely, Delrin is used in many handles, clips, and even housing for everyday appliances like cookware, washing machines, and ovens.

Why is Delrin considered a metal replacement in CNC machining projects?

Delrin plastic, also known as acetal or polyoxymethylene (POM), can be a viable metal alternative in various applications due to its unique properties. Delrin offers several advantages over metals, making it an attractive option for specific use cases:

  1. Lightweight: Delrin plastic is considerably lighter than metals, which can help reduce the overall weight of components and systems, ultimately leading to energy savings.
  2. Lower friction and wear: Delrin has a low coefficient of friction, which allows for smooth operation, reduced wear, and a longer lifespan for components.
  3. Corrosion resistance: Delrin is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for applications where metals may corrode or rust.
  4. Excellent dimensional stability: Delrin exhibits minimal swelling and shrinkage, maintaining its shape and size under various conditions, including temperature and humidity changes.
  5. Electrical insulator: Delrin is a good electrical insulator, making it suitable for applications where electrical conductivity is undesirable.
  6. Noise reduction: Delrin components produce less noise than metal parts, particularly in applications with moving parts.

However, it is essential to consider that Delrin may not be suitable for all applications where metals are used, particularly in high-temperature environments, heavy load-bearing situations, or applications requiring high electrical conductivity. The suitability of Delrin as a metal alternative largely depends on the application’s specific requirements.

Here’s a comparison table to provide a clear insight into Delrin plastic as a metal alternative:

Table: Comparision of Delrin properties with metals 

Property Delrin Plastic Metals
Weight Lightweight Heavier
Friction and Wear Low friction, reduced wear Higher friction, increased wear
Corrosion Resistance Resistant to most chemicals Varies, susceptible to corrosion
Dimensional Stability Excellent, minimal swelling Good, but it may deform under stress
Electrical Conductivity Good insulator Conductive (varies by metal)
Noise Reduction Less noise in moving parts Noisier in moving parts
Thermal Conductivity Low High (varies by metal)
Temperature Resistance Limited high-temperature use Suitable for high temperatures
Load-bearing Capacity Moderate, varies by application Generally higher
Machinability Easy to machine Varies, can be more difficult

 

Conclusion

Delrin is a versatile engineering plastic with physical solid, mechanical, and chemical properties, which makes it a suitable replacement for metal and alloys in various CNC machining projects. The plastic CNC machining process can manipulate Delrin into the desired shape and size. However, the accuracy and quality of parts rely on the technology and experience of engineers and operators.

Prolean is a specialist in CNC machining for plastic and metal parts. We have cutting-edge CNC technology and expert professionals to convert your design into the physical part. Please let us know if you are confused about this topic or need any CNC machining service for your current or upcoming project.

 

FAQs

 

Why should I choose Delrin for CNC machining?

CNC machining of Delrin is well known for its machinability, high production turnaround, the ability to convert into complex shapes, dimensional consistency, electrical insulation, and durability.

Can Delrin machined parts achieve tight tolerances?

Yes, Delrin is known for its excellent dimensional stability and ability to hold tight tolerances during machining. This property makes it popular for applications requiring high precision and accuracy.

Can Delrin be machined using CNC techniques?

Yes, Delrin is an excellent material for CNC machining due to its machinability, dimensional stability, and ability to hold tight tolerances. Delrin can be machined using various CNC processes, including milling, turning, and drilling.

What are the major applications of Delrin CNC machining?

CNC-machined Delrin parts are applicable in automotive, furniture, food processing, oil & gas, medical, home appliances, electrical, electronics, and many more industries.

 

Bibliography

  1. (2021). About Delrin. Bantam Tools, from https://support.bantamtools.com/.
  2. (n.d.). General Design Principles. EncoPlastics, from www.emcoplastics.com.
  3. (2020). SPEEDS AND FEEDS. from https://mae.ufl.edu/.

8 Comments

  1. Teran sabastian

    You have mentioned that Delrin CNC Turing is similar to brass turning , is it only same for machining parameters or the quality of machining is also same?

    Reply
    • Dikendra

      Yes! the quality of final product could be similar such as Ra value

      Reply
  2. Roan Schmidt

    I found this article very professional with lots of technical insights on Delrin CNC machining

    Reply
    • Dikendra

      If you need any extra information on this topic or related services, let us know.

      Reply
  3. Bram de Jong

    Can I use Delrin CNC machining for Valves and Pumps for fluid system components as a replacement of aluminum? Looking for your specific suggestion?

    Reply
    • Dikendra

      Yes you can use as a replacement

      Reply
  4. Grace Mitchell

    How could you combine all the CNC Delrin machining in one article. Amazing one

    Reply
    • Dikendra

      Thank you for your words Grace!

      Reply

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