Schupan Aluminum Sales
4200 Davis Creek Ct., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: 269-382-3434, Toll-free: 800-531-3434
MAY 2008
Just what IS the difference between Acetal and Delrin?

Basic Info:
Acetal is the generic name for the thermoplastic used in many wear applications. Delrin is the brand name used by DuPont for their acetal material. The process for making Delrin resin is slightly different than the companies making the other brands of acetal. The Delrin brand is known as a homopolymer while the other brands of material are known usually as copolymers. They relate to the molecular structure of the material.

Once produced, the sheet and/or rod does exhibit some very slight differences in properties as listed below. In MOST applications, however, these differences are negligible. Note that we CAN supply either material!

Properties:
Delrin (homopolymer)
  • Approximately 10% Stiffer
  • Higher Mechanical Strength
  • Centerline porosity is possible

 Copolymer (our brand is Sustarin C)
  • Better Chemical Resistance
  • Performs better in hot water
  • Centerline porosity is virtually eliminated

Again, the mechanical differences are quite small. The porosity difference can be critical in food applications and pump/manifold applications, for example.
Please refer to the specification sheets attached.

For further information or a quote on acetal, Delrin, or any other material, please do not hesitate to call Schupan Aluminum Sales at 800-531-3434 or

Acetal Copolymer Delrin Homopolymer
Property Units Test Method Value Value
Tensile Strength psi ASTM D 638 10,000 11,000
Elongation % ASTM D 638 40 30
Modulus psi ASTM D 648 350,000 425,000
Flexural Strength psi ASTM D 638 12,000 18,000
Modulus psi ASTM D 790 425,000 450,000
Notched Izod ft-lb/in notch ASTM D 256 1.2 1
Rockwell Hardness ASTM D 785 M88 M89
HDT @ 264 psi oF ASTM D 648 225 250
Coefficient Linear
Thermal Expansion in/in/oF ASTM E 831 5.50 x 10-5 4.80 x 10-5
Dielectric Strength V / mil ASTM D 149 450 400
Volume Resistivity ohm-cm ASTM D 257 1016 1016
Dielectric Constant ASTM D 149 3.8 3.7

Distributorships:


Alcoa

SAPA
Kaiser

SCM
Hulett
Nanshan
Metal Service Center Institute