When designing a gear system, one of the first choices is material: plastic or metal? POM (Delrin) gears have become increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to metal gears in many applications. This comparison covers performance, cost, and application fit.
POM Gear vs Metal Gear: Head-to-Head
| Property | POM (Delrin) Gear | Steel Gear | Aluminum Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.41 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ | 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Noise Level | Low | High | Medium |
| Lubrication | Self-lubricating | Required | Recommended |
| Cost per Gear | $ | $$$ | $$ |
| Max Operating Temp | 100°C | 300°C+ | 200°C |
| Corrosion | Excellent | Poor (needs coating) | Good |
| Load Capacity | Medium | Very High | Medium-High |
| Electrical Insulation | Yes | No | No |
When POM Gears Are the Better Choice
- Noise-sensitive applications (office equipment, medical devices)
- Where lubrication is impractical or undesirable
- Cost-sensitive medium-load applications
- Electrical isolation required between gear stages
- Corrosive or wet environments
- Weight reduction targets (aerospace, portable devices)
When Metal Gears Are Necessary
- Very high torque or shock loading
- Operating temperatures above 100°C
- Extremely high cycle life (millions of cycles)
- When mating with existing metal gears
- Very high precision requirements for positional accuracy
Cost Comparison: POM vs Metal CNC Machined Gears
For a typical 50mm diameter spur gear in quantities of 100, a CNC machined POM gear costs 40-60% less than its steel equivalent. Material cost is lower and machining time is faster due to higher feed rates.
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