Anti-freeze acetal

Material

Anti-freeze acetal for side release buckles, rated by the supplier to −20 °C. Light, barely absorbs water, easy to care for. For winter collars and harnesses.

Products: Anti-freeze acetal

Prices include 21% VAT. More about VAT and customs fees.

What anti-freeze acetal is

A plastic compound that the supplier classes in the acetal family (POM) and specifies for use down to −20 °C. Standard acetal keeps its toughness below freezing too. So the difference is that the supplier explicitly declares these buckles for frost, not a different class of material.

Why we use it for hardware

For side release buckles on working and sports collars that are worn in winter too, where the buckle can take a knock against frozen ground or ice.

When to choose it and when to look elsewhere

  • Winter walks and dog sports: skijoring, canicross or mushing within the range the supplier states.
  • Dogs that swim: plastic does not corrode.

Below −20 °C, test the finished product in real conditions first. For higher loads, choose a metal side release buckle, for example in 7075 alloy.

How it ages and how to care for it

Rinse off mud, sand and salt with fresh water so that sand does not wear the buckle latch. The same applies after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Strong sun gradually dulls the surface. Before each winter, check the buckle for cracks.

Good to know

Plastic conducts heat much worse than metal. At −15 °C a plastic buckle is just as cold as a metal one, but it draws heat from your fingers more slowly, so it does not feel as cold.

  • Price

    Higher

    A higher price class, typically associated with a particular material property, manufacturing method or finish. Check the other specifications to see what accounts for the difference.

  • Strength

    Medium

    Suitable for everyday products exposed to moderate loads. Repeated strong pulling may deform the material, so check the strength of the complete product for demanding uses.

  • Water

    Seawater

    Suitable for regular contact with seawater. Rinse the complete product after use if its other materials or components require it.

  • Weight

    Very light

    The lowest weight class in this comparison. Useful for small products and accessories where every gram matters.

Allergy risk No known contact allergen No known contact allergen is listed for the material itself. Check the selected surface finish and the other components when making products for sensitive skin.
Aging Minor changes Over time slight dulling or minor surface changes may occur. This does not affect function, but is visible on closer inspection.
Maintenance No special care No special care is required. Rinse with water or wipe with a cloth when cleaning is needed.