Product Overview
Delrin® is the registered brand name for acetal homopolymer (polyoxymethylene or POM-H) manufactured by DuPont. In mechanical engineering, Delrin balls (acetal homopolymer spheres) are highly regarded for their outstanding stiffness, high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to fatigue. Unlike PTFE, which is soft and prone to deformation under continuous mechanical loads (cold flow), Delrin POM-H detent balls remain rigid and resilient, making them ideal for load-bearing applications like bearings, water regulation valves, sliding rails, detent pins, and fuel system check valves. Delrin absorbs minimal moisture, allowing it to maintain critical dimensions in wet or humid environments.
Key Technical Features of Delrin (POM)
High Stiffness
High mechanical rigidity and tensile strength resist deformation under constant mechanical load.
Low Moisture Absorption
Excellent dimensional stability in humid or wet fluid handling environments.
Fatigue Resistance
Superior resilience makes them suitable for high-cycle check valves and bearings.
Low Coefficient of Friction
Coefficient of friction of 0.20 to 0.25 ensures clean, smooth operation in dry assemblies.
Chemical Resistance
Excellent resistance to fuels, hydrocarbons, solvents, and neutral aqueous solutions.
High Impact Strength
Absorbs shocks and impact loading without cracking or chipping.
Precision Machining
Rigid structure allows machining to tight spherical tolerances.
Lower Cost
More economical material choice compared to premium fluoropolymers like PTFE or PEEK.
Available Delrin Ball Sizes
We manufacture Delrin (POM) balls in a wide range of metric and fractional inch sizes. Below are typical dimensions we supply.
| Nominal Size | Metric (mm) | Inch Equivalent | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6.00 mm | 0.250″ | ±0.03 mm |
| 3/8″ | 9.52 mm | 0.375″ | ±0.03 mm |
| 1/2″ | 12.70 mm | 0.500″ | ±0.04 mm |
| 3/4″ | 19.05 mm | 0.750″ | ±0.04 mm |
| 1″ | 25.40 mm | 1.000″ | ±0.05 mm |
| 1-1/2″ | 38.10 mm | 1.500″ | ±0.08 mm |
| 2″ | 50.80 mm | 2.000″ | ±0.10 mm |
Delrin Manufacturing & Machining Process
Resin Selection: Premium DuPont Delrin (POM-H) or high-grade POM copolymer resins are used to avoid internal porosity.
Extrusion Molding: Acetal resins are extruded into dense solid rods with controlled cooling to minimize internal stress.
Thermal Annealing: Extruded acetal blanks undergo an annealing cycle to relieve stress, ensuring dimensional stability.
Precision Lathe Turning: Blanks are CNC turned and centerless ground to achieve roundness and a polished surface finish.
Inspection: Sphericity and surface roughness are verified in our inspection room using digital metrology tools.
Typical Delrin Ball Applications
Delrin balls are standard in mechanical systems where load-bearing, toughness, and low wear are required:
Fuel System Check Valves
Resists gasoline, diesel, and biofuels, providing a rigid, spring-loaded seal.
Load-Bearing Bearings
Used as spherical rolling elements in light-duty conveyor rollers and sliding mechanisms.
Pneumatic Control Valves
Provides high-cycle check sealing in air compressors and pneumatic manifolds.
Water Regulation Devices
Low moisture absorption prevents swelling, keeping valve operations precise in plumbing lines.
Furniture Drawer Slides
Smooth-rolling, quiet Delrin balls used in drawer tracks and industrial cabinet guides.
OEM Mechanical Switches
Acts as spring-loaded detents and positioning elements in mechanical rotary switches.
Why Choose Hemsun Engg. Industries?
Hemsun Engg. Industries has processed precision engineering plastics since 1990. Sourcing Delrin POM balls directly from our manufacturing plant in Gujarat allows you to benefit from direct B2B pricing, consistent material quality, and short lead times. We provide full chemical test certificates with every batch, ensuring your order complies with international standard specifications for fluoropolymers.
35+ Years Experience
Manufacturing precision polymer spheres in India since 1990.
Direct OEM Supply
Complete in-house molding, sintering, and centerless grinding control.
100% Quality Audited
Full roundness, surface finish, and void-free inspection checks.
Custom Machining
Die fabrication to drawings for specialized diameters and features.
Material Comparison: Delrin (POM) vs PTFE
Compare Delrin POM balls against PTFE balls to select the appropriate option for your application.
| Technical Property | This Product (Delrin (POM) Acetal Balls) | Alternative / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Stiffness | Excellent (high load capacity, resists deformation) | Low (soft, subject to creep/cold flow under load) |
| Maximum Operating Temp | Up to +120°C continuous | Up to +260°C continuous |
| Friction Coefficient | Low (0.20 - 0.25) | Extremely Low (0.04 - 0.10) |
| Cost Profile | Highly Economical (lower raw material cost) | Premium Sourcing Cost |
Delrin Balls FAQ
What is the main advantage of Delrin over PTFE balls?
Delrin offers much higher stiffness, mechanical strength, and creep resistance. It is better suited for load-bearing rolling elements and high-pressure check valves.
What is the difference between POM-H (Delrin) and POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)?
POM-H (Delrin) offers higher tensile strength, stiffness, and hardness, whereas POM-C (Copolymer) provides better hydrolysis resistance and lower centerline porosity.
Are Delrin balls food safe?
Yes, specific grades of Delrin are FDA compliant and are widely used in commercial food preparation and milk dispensing equipment.
Are Delrin balls chemical resistant?
Yes, Delrin has excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, fuels, neutral solvents, and basic solutions, but it is attacked by concentrated mineral acids and oxidizing agents.
Do Delrin balls swell in water?
Delrin absorbs very little moisture (around 0.2% to 0.25% at saturation), making it extremely stable in water compared to nylon, though not as completely hydrophobic as PTFE.
What tolerances can you hold on Delrin balls?
We hold standard tolerances of ±0.03 mm to ±0.05 mm on standard diameters, and can achieve tighter tolerances on custom order runs.
Request Delrin Ball Pricing
Tell us the ball diameter (5 mm to 310 mm), material grade, quantity, and application. In-house PTFE ball manufacturer & OEM — Dahegam, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
- Response within 24 hours on business days
- MOQ flexible — samples and OEM volumes
- Engineering drawings accepted
- Export supply worldwide
- Metric and inch sizes from 5 mm to 310 mm
224/1, Nr. Precision Autowares, Nr. IOCL Petrol Pump, Zak-Vahelal Road, Dahegam
Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382305
India