Can 3D Printing Replace POM in Engineering Parts
Igus has shown that its 3D‑printing materials can outperform conventional polyoxymethylene (POM) in wear‑critical applications such as gears and bearings. While POM remains reliable for high‑volume manufacturing, additive manufacturing offers advantages in customization, tooling elimination, and ra…
By Felo News Desk · Published
For decades, polyoxymethylene (POM) has been the go‑to engineering plastic for components that endure wear and mechanical loads. Its predictable properties, ease of machining, and long service life have made it a staple in gearboxes, bearings, and bushings. Recent research from German polymer specialist igus challenges this long‑standing dominance by testing its own line of tribological 3D‑printing materials against conventional POM in a series of rigorous, grease‑free trials.
Testing Methodology and Scope
The igus white paper, released on 21 September 2026, compared the performance of its iglidur 3D‑printing materials with standard POM across several key applications. The tests were designed to reflect real‑world conditions where external lubrication is either undesirable or impossible. By eliminating grease, the study focused on the intrinsic friction and wear characteristics of each material.
Three additive manufacturing routes were evaluated: fused deposition modelling (FDM) filament, selective laser sintering (SLS) powder, and digital light processing (DLP) resin. Each material was fabricated into standard test geometries—gears, pivot bearings, and bushings—and subjected to industry‑accepted wear tests, including VDI 2736 and Framo Morat gear testing. The tests measured wear depth, coefficient of friction, and overall service life under controlled loads and speeds.
Key Findings: Wear, Friction, and Service Life
Across the board, igus’s 3D‑printed materials demonstrated lower wear rates and more stable friction coefficients than POM. In gear testing, the difference was stark: igus materials achieved over eight times the service life in VDI 2736 tests and a tenfold increase in Framo Morat gear trials. Pivot bearings recorded up to five times less wear than their POM counterparts. These results suggest that, when the material is carefully selected, 3D‑printed components can match or surpass the durability of machined POM in demanding applications.
It is important to note that these outcomes apply to the specific materials, component designs, and test conditions used in the study. They do not automatically translate to every POM application, but they do highlight the potential of tribological additive manufacturing for functional parts that require high wear resistance.
Beyond Material Performance: The Value of Additive Manufacturing
Ian Hewat, managing director of igus South Africa, emphasized that material performance is only one aspect of the argument for 3D printing. The process itself eliminates the need for conventional tooling, allowing manufacturers to produce a single component—or a small batch—directly from a CAD model. A new design can be fabricated without incurring the costs of new molds or machining dies, making rapid prototyping and low‑volume production economically attractive.
Hewat also clarified that POM remains a reliable, well‑established material for high‑volume, identical parts. “The case for 3D printing is strongest where production quantities are relatively small, geometries are complex, or a replacement part is needed quickly,” he said. “The choice depends on the application rather than simply the material.”
Implications for Manufacturers and Designers
For engineers tasked with designing wear‑critical components, the igus study offers a new set of options. If a project involves a small run of complex parts, or if a spare part must be produced on demand, 3D printing with iglidur materials could provide comparable or superior performance while reducing lead times and tooling costs.
Conversely, for mass production where cost per unit is paramount, traditional machining or injection moulding of POM may still be the most economical choice. The decision ultimately hinges on factors such as volume, geometry, and the need for rapid iteration.
In conclusion, while POM remains a trusted material for many engineering applications, the emergence of tribologically optimized 3D‑printing materials expands the toolbox for designers and manufacturers. By combining material science with additive manufacturing, igus demonstrates that high‑performance, wear‑resistant components can be produced more flexibly and efficiently than ever before.
Key facts
- Igus’s iglidur 3D‑printing materials outperform POM in wear tests
- Gear tests show up to tenfold increase in service life
- 3D printing eliminates tooling costs and speeds up production
- POM remains optimal for high‑volume, identical parts
- Choice of material and process depends on application needs
Why it matters
The study shows that 3D‑printed tribological materials can rival or exceed traditional POM in wear‑critical parts, offering manufacturers faster, cheaper, and more flexible production for low‑volume or complex designs.
Frequently asked questions
What types of 3D printing processes does igus offer for tribological parts?
Igus provides iglidur materials for FDM filament, SLS powder, and DLP resin, each tailored for high‑friction and wear‑resistant applications.
Can 3D‑printed parts replace POM in all applications?
Not necessarily. The study demonstrates superiority in specific tests, but results are material‑, geometry‑, and condition‑dependent. POM remains reliable for mass production.
Do 3D‑printed parts require external lubrication?
No. Igus’s materials incorporate solid lubricants, allowing operation without additional grease or oil.
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Could 3D printing replace traditional engineering plastics?”
