Delrin

Material

Delrin is the trade name of acetal homopolymer (POM-H), a stiff, light engineering plastic. We use it for leather embossing wheels. Properties and care.

Products: Delrin

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

What Delrin is

Delrin® is the trade name of acetal homopolymer (POM-H), an engineering plastic developed by DuPont. The brand is now owned by Delrin USA, LLC. It belongs to the same POM family as our acetal. Compared with the more common copolymer, the homopolymer is somewhat stronger and stiffer, but handles hot water less well.

Why we use it

According to the manufacturer, our leather embossing wheels are made from it. For a plastic, POM is stiff, resists abrasion well and does not corrode, so contact with dampened leather does not bother it either.

When to choose it and when to look elsewhere

A plastic wheel is light and good enough for everyday embossing. Compared with metal, however, it is much less stiff. For very firm or thick leather and high pressure, compare wheels made of brass sand casting, which you will find in the same category.

How it ages and how to care for it

In workshop use it changes very little. Long direct sunlight dulls the surface and makes it chalky. Hot water, chlorine bleach and strong acidic or alkaline cleaners damage it. Wipe leather residue off with a damp cloth, let the wheel dry and store it out of the sun.

Good to know

Since 1960, Delrin has been used for parts with tight tolerances, such as gears, bearings and cams, and it resists fatigue under repeated loading well.

  • Price

    Mid-range

    A mid-range price class. Compare its specific durability, weight and finish with the less expensive alternatives before choosing.

  • 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.