MC Nylon vs POM: Which Is Better for Gears?
2025-07-24

Intro
When designing a lightweight gearbox, you often reach a crossroads: choose MC Nylon or POM (acetal)? One touts superior wear resistance; the other excels in precision. This article uses a single table and a quick decision tree to sort it out in about three minutes.
1 Three Key Factors for Gear Materials
Strength – Can it handle shocks and sudden torque spikes?
Wear life – How long before the teeth thin out?
Noise level – Does it run smoothly and quietly?
Only technical term: Coefficient of friction – the lower the number, the smoother and quieter the gear runs.
2 Performance Comparison Table
Metric | MC Nylon | POM | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Density (g/cm³) | 1.15 | 1.41 | About 20 % lighter |
Coefficient of friction | 0.25 | 0.35 | MC Nylon is quieter |
Continuous service temp (°C) | 120 | 100 | MC Nylon handles higher heat |
Self‑lubrication | ★★★ | ★★ | Fewer lube cycles |
Material cost | Slightly higher | Slightly lower | POM 10‑15 % cheaper |
3 Cost Breakdown
Material price – POM is typically 10 % or so cheaper by weight.
Machining cost – MC Nylon can be cast as a single large piece, cutting assembly labor.
Maintenance cost – With 1.5‑2× the wear life, MC Nylon means fewer change‑outs. In many mid‑to‑heavy‑duty applications, MC Nylon wins the long‑term cost race.
4 Decision Tree
High temperature or heavy load?
Yes → Choose MC Nylon
No → Next question
Need ultra‑high positional accuracy (±0.02 mm)?
Yes → Choose POM
No → Next question
Strict weight‑reduction target (>20 %)?
Yes → Choose MC Nylon
No → Next question
Rock‑bottom budget?
Yes → Choose POM
No → MC Nylon is generally preferred
5 One Pro, One Con Example
Construction‑equipment reduction gear
Swapping metal for MC Nylon cuts weight by 60 %, boosts service life by 40 %, and extends maintenance intervals by half a year.
Desktop 3D‑printer micro‑gear
POM delivers ±0.02 mm precision at a lower cost, saving about USD 5 per printer.
Wrap‑Up & CTA
In short: High heat, heavy loads, or aggressive weight savings → MC Nylon; tight precision and ultra‑low cost → POM.
Not sure which suits your gear set? Click below to request free samples and receive a tailored material‑selection report within 24 hours!
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