At Aetna Plastics, we provide engineering-grade thermoplastics that deliver performance where it counts. Acetal, also known by the brand name Delrin®, is a high-performance plastic renowned for its strength, stiffness, and low friction. Whether you’re machining precision parts or building durable mechanical components, Acetal offers an ideal balance of mechanical properties and workability.

What is Acetal (Delrin®)?

Acetal is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic available in both homopolymer (Delrin®) and copolymer grades. Known for its high strength, rigidity, and excellent dimensional stability, Acetal is commonly used in precision engineering applications. It features a low coefficient of friction, good wear resistance, and outstanding machinability—making it a favorite for gears, bearings, bushings, and other moving parts.

Why Choose Polypropylene?

Acetal stands out as a go-to material for tight tolerance, load-bearing, and low-friction applications.

Key Properties:

  • High Strength & Rigidity: Maintains shape under load without creeping
  • Low Friction: Excellent for parts requiring smooth, sliding movement
  • Superior Machinability: Cuts cleanly and holds tight tolerances
  • Moisture & Chemical Resistance: Performs well in wet or chemically aggressive environments
  • Dimensional Stability: Low moisture absorption means consistent performance
  • FDA Compliant Grades: Available for food and beverage applications

Standard Shapes and Forms Available

Aetna Plastics offers Acetal in a variety of forms to support both standard and custom machining:

  • Sheet: Standard and cut-to-size thicknesses
  • Rod: Available in a wide range of diameters
  • Tube: Custom configurations available on request
  • Machined Parts: CNC-fabricated components based on your drawings or specs

 

Applications of Acetal

Acetal’s unique blend of stiffness, low wear, and dimensional reliability makes it ideal for:

  • Mechanical Components: Gears, pulleys, bushings, and bearings
  • Fluid Handling Systems: Valves, pump components, and seals
  • Automotive: Fuel system parts, window mechanisms, and interior trim
  • Food Processing: Rollers, scrapers, and conveyor components (FDA grades)
  • Electrical & Electronics: Insulators and structural components

 

Colors and Finishes Available

Acetal is typically available in natural (white), black, and blue. Specialty colors or grades (such as FDA-compliant blue or anti-static black) can be ordered depending on your specific application. Most Acetal sheets and rods have a smooth finish ideal for machining and cleanability.

Why Choose Aetna Plastics for Polypropylene?

For over seven decades, Aetna Plastics has supported engineers, fabricators, and manufacturers with premium plastic materials and expert service. When performance and precision matter, our inventory of Acetal and Delrin® products is ready to meet your demands.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Extensive Inventory: Broad selection of Acetal in sheet, rod, and tube
  • Custom Fabrication: CNC machining, cut-to-size, and made-to-spec components
  • Technical Expertise: In-house support for material selection and application guidance
  • Fast, Reliable Service: Timely delivery and responsive customer care

 

Start Your Acetal Project Today

Need a strong, low-friction, and precision-stable material? Acetal (Delrin®) is trusted across industries for its durability and machinability. Contact Aetna Plastics today to get a quote, check stock, or discuss your project with our material experts.

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