PTFE, POM and Nylon are the three workhorses of the engineering plastics world — and also the three most mixed-up. If you are choosing a material for a custom part, the right answer depends less on “which is strongest” and more on the specific conditions your part will face. Here is a plain-language comparison.
The quick version
- PTFE (Teflon) — unbeatable chemical resistance and the lowest friction. Soft, low mechanical strength. Use it for seals, gaskets, liners and chemical handling.
- POM (Delrin / acetal) — stiff, strong, very machinable, holds tight tolerances. The go-to for precision mechanical parts.
- Nylon (PA) — tough and impact-resistant, with good wear resistance. Absorbs moisture, so sizes can shift.
Compare them side by side
| Property | PTFE | POM | Nylon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friction | Lowest | Low | Low |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Stiffness / strength | Low | High | Medium |
| Impact resistance | Low | Medium | High |
| Moisture absorption | Very low | Low | High |
| Machinability | Fair (soft) | Excellent | Good |
| Max service temp | ~260 °C | ~90 °C | ~100 °C |
When to pick each
Choose PTFE when chemistry is the challenge
PTFE resists almost every industrial chemical and keeps working across a huge temperature range. It is the material for pump parts, valve seats, gaskets and anything touching aggressive media. The trade-off is that it is soft and creeps under load, so it is rarely the right choice for structural parts.
Choose POM when you need precision
POM machines beautifully and keeps its dimensions. If you are producing gears, bushings, rollers or precision mechanical components — and the environment is not chemically harsh — POM is usually the most cost-effective answer.
Choose Nylon when toughness matters
Nylon takes shock and abuse better than either of the others. It is a great fit for wear pads, wheels, guides and impact parts. Just design for its moisture absorption — or use cast / moisture-conditioned grades where dimensional stability is critical.
Still not sure? Ask us.
Most projects come down to a handful of variables: temperature, chemicals, load, and how tight the tolerances need to be. Tell us those four things and we will recommend a material — and quote your part. Request a quote here.