Igus 3D Materials Outperformed POM in Testing
A new white paper indicates that 3D-printed polymers can offer greater durability than polyoxymethylene in wear-resistant uses.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Materials Science
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Igus has released findings comparing its 3D-printing materials to polyoxymethylene, suggesting a viable alternative for mechanical components. Testing revealed that these materials provide superior wear resistance and friction stability in grease-free conditions.
Why it matters
Additive manufacturing provides a flexible pathway for creating custom and replacement parts without the need for traditional tooling. These results demonstrate that 3D-printed polymers can now replace traditional materials like POM in demanding industrial applications.
Igus materials demonstrated up to eight times the service life in VDI 2736 tests and five times less wear in pivot trials. These polymers utilize integrated solid lubricants to maintain functionality without external grease.
The players
Igus
Igus is an industrial manufacturer specializing in motion plastics and lubricant-free components.
Framo Morat
Framo Morat is a manufacturer of gear technology and drive solutions that conducted independent service life testing.
The details
The testing focused on comparing the friction, wear, and overall service life of Igus components against POM in grease-free environments. These 3D-printed materials are compatible with FDM filament, SLS powder, and DLP resin manufacturing processes.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The white paper findings were published.
The Big Picture
This research challenges the long-standing reliance on polyoxymethylene for gear applications by validating additive manufacturing as a high-performance alternative. The findings mark a shift toward replacing traditional injection-molded components with more versatile, digitally fabricated parts.
Engineers and product designers can now utilize 3D printing for low-volume or custom wear-resistant parts that outperform traditional POM components. This capability may reduce supply chain delays by allowing for the rapid on-demand production of durable replacement hardware.
The takeaway
The study suggests that incorporating solid lubricants into 3D-printable polymers can match or exceed the durability of traditional engineering plastics. Adopting these materials can simplify manufacturing workflows by removing the necessity for traditional, high-cost tooling.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in industrial Materials Science.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bizcommunity.
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