POM CNC machining cost is an important factor for companies producing high-precision plastic components for automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Because POM—also known as acetal or Delrin—offers excellent dimensional stability, wear resistance, and low friction, it is widely used for functional prototypes and production components. Understanding how tool selection, feed rate, speed, and material grade influence POM CNC machining cost helps buyers make informed decisions and optimize performance and budget.
How Material Grade Influences POM CNC Machining Cost
Different POM materials affect machinability and directly impact POM CNC machining cost:
POM Homopolymer (Delrin)
- Higher strength and stiffness
- Slightly more heat-sensitive
- Requires controlled speed to prevent melting
- Often used for gears, pulleys, robotics joints
POM homopolymer tends to increase POM CNC machining cost due to tight thermal tolerance.
POM Copolymer
- More chemically stable
- Less prone to centerline porosity
- Better surface finish at higher feed rates
- Ideal for bushings, bearings, fluid-handling parts
Copolymer reduces overall POM CNC machining cost thanks to smoother cutting behavior.
Filled POM (GF/PF reinforced)
- Stronger but more abrasive
- Requires premium carbide tooling
- Lower feed rates needed
- Used in high-load mechanical parts
Filled grades increase tool wear, raising POM CNC machining cost.
Pom CNC Machining Speeds, Feed Rates & Parameters
Machining behavior strongly influences POM CNC machining cost. POM chips well, but temperature control is essential.
Recommended Cutting Speeds
- Milling: 800–2500 m/min for carbide tools
- Turning: 400–1200 m/min
Higher cutting speeds reduce cycle time but risk melting if heat is not controlled.
Feed Rate Guidelines
- Light finishing: 0.05–0.20 mm/tooth
- Roughing: 0.20–0.40 mm/tooth
A well-balanced feed rate reduces melting and prevents burr formation, lowering POM CNC machining cost.
Tool Geometry for POM
- Sharp edges for clean cutting
- Large rake angle to reduce heat
- Polished flutes for chip evacuation
- Two-flute or single-flute tools for high-speed machining
Cutting Tool Material Selection
Tool choice also affects POM CNC machining cost.
Carbide Tools
- Best balance of sharpness and durability
- Ideal for medium-volume production
- Lower tool wear reduces long-term POM CNC machining cost
HSS Tools
- Good for low-speed, low-volume machining
- Cheaper but dulls faster
- Suitable for prototypes
Diamond-Coated Tools
- For filled POM or abrasive grades
- Highest tool life, lowest accuracy drift
- Increases up-front cost but reduces scrap rate
Applications of cnc machining parts
POM is used across many industries. Understanding part applications helps buyers predict POM CNC machining cost.
Automotive
- Gears, pulleys, fuel system components
- Benefits: low friction, high wear resistance
Electronics
- Switch components, mechanical sliders, actuator guides
- Benefits: smooth movement, stable dimensions
Medical Devices
- Housings, test fixtures, surgical instrument guides
- Benefits: chemical resistance and easy sterilization
Industrial Machinery
- Bearings, bushings, sliders, rollers
- Benefits: high stiffness and fatigue resistance
Cost Structure of POM CNC Machining
POM CNC machining cost typically includes:
1. Material Cost
Common POM rods/sheets average $4–$12/kg depending on grade.
2. Machining Time
Toolpath complexity, thin-wall sections, and precision tolerances increase cycle time.
3. Tool Wear
Filled POM grades increase tool replacement, raising POM CNC machining cost.
4. Finishing Requirements
Deburring, polishing and precision dimension inspection add labor.
5. Tolerances
- Standard POM tolerance: ±0.05–0.10 mm
- Precision tolerance: ±0.01–0.03 mm
Higher accuracy increases machining time and QC cost.
How to Reduce POM CNC Machining Cost
Optimize Part Geometry
- Avoid unnecessary sharp corners
- Use uniform wall thickness
- Reduce deep pockets and long tool reach
Select the Right POM Grade
Copolymer is cheaper to machine, reducing overall cost.
Use Proper Tooling
Carbide tools maintain longer radius sharpness, reducing replacement frequency.
Improve Fixturing
Stable clamping lowers vibration and improves surface quality.
Batch Production
Larger quantities reduce setup cost per part and significantly lower POM CNC machining cost.
Conclusion
POM CNC machining cost depends on material grade, tool choice, feed rate, machining complexity, and tolerance requirements. By selecting the right POM grade and optimizing toolpath strategies, buyers can achieve excellent surface finish and dimensional stability at an efficient cost. For detailed machining consultation or customized part production, contact Weldo Machining for expert assistance and fast quotations.
FAQ of pom cnc machining
Does POM require coolant during CNC machining?
Usually yes—coolant reduces heat and prevents surface melting.
Can POM be machined to optical-grade surfaces?
Yes, but requires polishing or fine finishing passes.
Do threaded POM parts require inserts?
For high-load applications, metal inserts are recommended.
Is POM suitable for very small precision parts?
Yes—POM machines well for micro-components if heat is controlled.
What is the best way to avoid POM warping during machining?
Balanced toolpaths, stable fixturing, and moderate step-downs prevent deformation.
