Round Rod in POM MD 1000 mm blue

When a bushing or a gear lets go in a food line, the fragments must not travel on into the packaging. POM MD is built for exactly that scenario. A detectable filler makes fragments light up in industrial metal detectors and X-ray sorters, which turns an undetected fault source into a manageable event in the quality work. The round rod is used to turn and mill functional parts that must not be able to pass unnoticed.

The material sits at about 1.5 g/cm³ in density, somewhat heavier than pure POM thanks to the filler. The long term temperature is 100 degrees continuously, the short term peaks somewhat higher, the lowest working temperature around minus 20 degrees. The fire rating is HB. The water absorption of about 0.8 percent keeps the dimensions stable in a damp industrial environment, for example after CIP rinsing or high pressure washing. The mechanical properties are typical of POM: high stiffness, good wear resistance, good fatigue strength. With the filler counted in, the hardness in the surface layer is somewhat higher and the material somewhat more brittle than POM C.

Chemically the material handles fuels, mineral oils, greases and a wide chemical palette that is common in food production. Strong acids and oxidizers are avoided. The material is approved for food contact under the relevant regulations, and the detectable function is precisely what adds value in hygiene sensitive installations.

The round rod is a blank for the workshop. Typical parts made in POM MD:

Plain bushings and guide studs in packaging lines for bread, dairy and meat.

Drive gears in low noise systems where detection is required.

Shafts and rollers in conveyors for ready meals.

Components in checkweighers, sorters and metal detectors.

Spool and guide sleeves in CIP rinsed processes.

The machinability is good, but expect the inserts to wear somewhat faster than against pure POM. Carbide in good condition is standard, and light internal cooling makes it possible to keep the thermal load down in heavier dimensions. Bear in mind that thin parts give a weaker detection signal; weigh the dimension against the detector sensitivity in the line the rod is going into. Dimensions over 20 to 30 millimeters are the most common because detection works reliably there even on small splinter fragments.

POM MD does not replace every POM grade. For maximum stiffness POM H is a better choice. For sliding pairs in dry running where friction decides the service life, POM LF is the right starting point. POM CGL combines lubrication with detectability in a few grades, worth a look if you have double demands. If you need food approval without a detectable filler, POM C FG is enough.

The blue rod at 1000 mm can be picked up in a metal detector, so a broken off piece is found in the production line.

Supplied in standard lengths and common diameters. Cutting to size happens at the order. Do you want to go through the POM grades against your application and check the detection requirement against the dimension? Get in touch.