Why can't pom be used for 3D printing?
POM (polyoxymethylene), also known as polyacrylaldehyde or nylon, is not generally a common 3D printing material. This is because POM has some challenges and limitations in the 3D printing process, including the following aspects:
Melting temperature: POM has a relatively high melting temperature, typically between about 165°C and 175°C, which makes it require high-temperature 3D printing equipment to process. Traditional 3D printing technologies, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), usually use materials with lower melting temperatures such as PLA or ABS.
Shrinkage issues: POM undergoes considerable linear and volumetric shrinkage as it cools, which can cause distortion or changes in the size and shape of 3D-printed parts. This requires more complex printing processes and controls to handle.
Adhesion issues: POM has excellent surface smoothness and low surface tension, which makes the material have poor adhesion when 3D printing. Therefore, special base materials and printing processes are required to ensure that the part is stably attached to the printing platform.
Environmental issues: POM may produce harmful gas emissions during the 3D printing process, so it needs to be handled in a well-ventilated environment.
Although POM has excellent mechanical properties and durability in traditional manufacturing, it is less common in the field of 3D printing due to the above-mentioned challenges. However, some high-end 3D printing technology and professional 3D printer manufacturers have begun to research and develop printing solutions suitable for POM. These solutions often require more advanced 3D printing equipment and materials to cope with the specialized nature of POM.
