POM Thrust Bearing

Overview

POM thrust bearings, also supplied as thrust washers and thrust pads, are precision-machined components that support axial loads between rotating and stationary surfaces. Manufactured from polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal or Delrin, these bearings transmit thrust while permitting relative rotation with low friction and minimal wear. Their flat, accurately machined faces distribute axial load evenly, reducing contact stress and protecting adjacent components. Because POM is self-lubricating, dimensionally stable, and corrosion resistant, these thrust bearings operate reliably without grease in pumps, valves, gearboxes, and automation equipment. OrroMFG produces POM thrust bearings using precision CNC turning and milling, delivering flat, parallel faces and tight thickness tolerances for consistent load-carrying performance.

POM thrust bearings are specified where metal thrust bearings would corrode, require lubrication, or add unnecessary weight and cost. Their high stiffness and compressive strength support substantial axial loads, while their low coefficient of friction and natural lubricity minimize friction torque and heat generation. Low moisture absorption keeps thickness and flatness stable across humidity changes, preserving axial clearance and preload in precision assemblies. OrroMFG offers standard acetal grades for general thrust applications, PTFE-modified POM for the lowest friction and wear, glass-filled POM for higher load capacity and stiffness, and anti-static grades for electronic handling equipment. Thrust bearings are available as plain washers, flanged and stepped designs, and multi-layer or pocketed configurations that retain lubricant or manage debris. Each part is machined to tight tolerances to ensure even load distribution, smooth rotation, and long service life.

Key Features

• Axial Load Support: Flat, parallel faces distribute thrust loads evenly to reduce contact stress and protect mating components.
• Low Friction and Self-Lubrication: Low coefficient of friction enables lubrication-free operation with reduced friction torque and heat.
• High Stiffness and Compressive Strength: Withstands substantial axial loads in a lightweight, corrosion-resistant polymer.
• Excellent Dimensional Stability: Low moisture absorption keeps thickness and flatness stable for consistent axial clearance.
• Quiet, Low-Vibration Operation: Natural damping reduces noise and vibration in rotating and indexing assemblies.
• Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: Resists water, oils, fuels, and many chemicals without rusting or swelling.

Material Specifications

Applications

Industrial Automation

POM thrust bearings support axial loads in indexing tables, rotary actuators, screw drives, and linear motion assemblies. Their low friction and dimensional stability maintain consistent axial clearance and preload, while their quiet running and lubrication-free operation reduce maintenance in high-cycle automated equipment.

Automotive

In automotive applications, POM thrust washers and bearings are used in pumps, seat and window mechanisms, pedal assemblies, and small gearboxes. Their resistance to oils, fuels, and temperature cycling ensures reliable thrust support, and their lightweight, corrosion-resistant construction suits under-hood and interior mechanisms.

Consumer Electronics

POM thrust bearings are employed in small motor assemblies, camera and lens mechanisms, and precision positioning modules. Their low friction, quiet operation, and clean machining support the smooth, consistent motion required in compact electronic devices and their manufacturing equipment.

Pumps & Valves

In pumps and valves, POM thrust bearings support impeller shafts, valve stems, and actuator linkages under axial load. Their corrosion resistance and self-lubricating behavior suit water, chemical, and fluid-handling service where metal thrust bearings would rust and lubricants would contaminate the media.

Material Handling

POM thrust bearings carry axial loads in conveyor pulleys, roller assemblies, and caster and pivot mechanisms. Their low friction and wear resistance maintain smooth rotation under continuous load, while their corrosion resistance suits humid, washdown, and dusty material handling environments.

Operating Conditions

• Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C (-40°F to +212°F) continuous service; glass-filled grades operate up to +115°C at reduced load
• Load Capacity: Suitable for light-to-medium axial loads; glass-filled grades support higher thrust and contact stress
• Speed: Effective in low-to-moderate sliding speeds; low friction minimizes heat generation under continuous rotation
• Lubrication Compatibility: Self-lubricating and normally run dry; compatible with greases and oils where added life or cooling is desired
• Chemical Compatibility: Resistant to water, fuels, oils, alcohols, and many cleaning agents; not recommended for strong acids or concentrated alkalis
• Moisture and Humidity: Low moisture absorption maintains stable thickness and axial clearance in humid or washed environments
• Shock and Vibration: Good impact toughness tolerates shock axial loads in indexing and reversing assemblies
• Abrasive and Contaminated Media: PTFE-modified and glass-filled grades improve wear life where debris or abrasives are present

Material Comparison

Choose POM thrust bearings when:

• Axial load support with low friction is required in a lightweight component
• Lubrication-free, corrosion-resistant operation is preferred
• Accurate thickness, flatness, and stable axial clearance are essential
• Moderate temperature and load conditions apply
• Quiet, low-vibration running is beneficial
• A cost-effective, precisely machined thrust bearing is preferred over metal or PEEK

Customization Options

• Material Grades: POM homopolymer (Delrin), POM copolymer (acetal), glass-filled POM, PTFE-modified POM, anti-static/conductive POM, and medical-grade acetal
• Bearing Types: Plain thrust washers, flanged washers, stepped and shouldered designs, thrust pads, and multi-layer assemblies
• Size Range: Outside diameters from 5 mm to 300 mm; thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 30 mm; custom sizes available
• Bore Configurations: Plain, keyed, and slotted bores for shaft engagement and rotation control
• Face Features: Grooved, pocketed, and dimpled faces for lubrication retention or debris management
• Tolerance Grades: Machined to tight thickness, flatness, and parallelism tolerances with controlled runout
• Surface Finishing: Fine-machined, polished, and deburred faces for low friction and even load distribution
• Inserts and Reinforcements: Metal backing plates and hub inserts for higher load capacity
• Color Options: Natural white, black, and custom colors for identification
• Secondary Operations: Keyway broaching, drilling, chamfering, and assembly with housings and shafts

Quality Assurance

OrroMFG is committed to producing POM thrust bearings of consistent precision and reliability. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities combine CNC machining and injection molding with rigorous process control to deliver bearings that meet customer drawings and performance requirements. Controlled handling and clean production areas protect components from contamination during manufacturing.

Quality control begins with incoming verification of POM resin grade and certification against material data sheets. In-process inspection includes dimensional checks with coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and optical comparators, thickness and flatness measurement, parallelism and runout evaluation, and bore and face verification. Finished thrust bearings undergo final inspection covering critical dimensions, flatness, and surface condition, with sampling for load and wear testing where required. Products are supplied with material certificates (COA), dimensional inspection reports, and full batch traceability, and first article inspection (FAI) reports are available for new or critical parts. This disciplined approach ensures every POM thrust bearing performs reliably in its intended application.