What Is "Acetal" Hardware?

[Abraham]

Looking at VCAS slings and there's a choice of hardware: Acetal or Metal

The metal hardware is significantly higher in cost.

So, I looked into the dictionary - the explanation wasn't understandable. (by me anyway...)

I looked at Google for help.

Same result.

I'm going to guess it's a plastic of some sort and if my guess is correct, why is it so much lower in cost?

Is acetal "no bueno"?

Or, just as good as metal, but for purists who won't buy plastic when it comes to anything guns. In other words, they're gunists...they won't buy plastic guns like Glock either, though plastic has been proven worthy.

Or, am I way off base?

Thanks!

[E.Marquez]

Plastic or metal .. and slightly different deigns in hardware for the two different materials.
Acetal hardware - a military grade, low IR plastic"

The very first ones we were given for testing after going though some low density specialced traiing for our AR gunners and marksmen had steel hardware... later when we bought in bulk for the unit they came with Acetal

[baldeagle]

This page: http://www.skdtac.com/Blue-Force-Gear-V ... fg.102.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; says this:

The OA model has all Acetal hardware - a low IR, quieter military grade plastic.
The OM model has all metal hardware for extreme durability and heat resistance.

No idea what low IR is, but it's clearly some sort of plastic.

According to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyoxymethylene" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal,[1] polyacetal and polyformaldehyde, is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. As with many other synthetic polymers, it is produced by different chemical firms with slightly different formulas and sold variously by such names as Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital and Hostaform.

Typical applications for injection-molded POM include high performance engineering components such as small gear wheels, ball bearings, ski bindings, fasteners, knife handles, and lock systems. The material is widely used in the automotive and consumer electronics industry.

[E.Marquez]

No idea what low IR is, but it's clearly some sort of plastic.]

Low inferred signature ie harder to see in imaging systems that "see IR"

[Abraham]

Thanks all.

I PREFER plastic if it's built tough. (See Glock, Sig, et al..)

Metal is great, if you want higher weight, rust considerations, blah blah....

Sometimes, I'm a curmudgeon, but when it comes to modern polymers I'm somewhat up with the times.

[Jim Beaux]

Delrin® acetal homopolymer combines lubricity and wear resistance with the stiffness and strength needed in parts designed to replace metal.

http://www.dupont.com/products-and-serv ... resin.html


Harkin winches (for sailboats) have delrin bearings. Boat winches are exposed to harsh environments.

The Harkin website-

Delrin® ball bearings are made of a composite material well-suited for low- to moderate-load applications. For high-load applications use Torlon® ball bearings.

I have a positive opinion of modern "plastics" and I have heard good things about PEX piping (cross linked polyethylene). In some locales PEX is acceptable for use in underground natural gas service.

This is about the limit of my knowledge.

[WildBill]

Looking at VCAS slings and there's a choice of hardware: Acetal or Metal

The metal hardware is significantly higher in cost.

I'm going to guess it's a plastic of some sort and if my guess is correct, why is it so much lower in cost?

When molding plastic parts, making the mold is the most expensive part of the process.

If you make enough parts, the tooling cost is amortized fairly quick so the piece part price can be reduced.

BTW, Delrin is a trademark of DuPont, so VCAS can't use this name unless their raw material is manufactured by DuPont.

There are many suppliers of Acetal resins, which are probably just as good as Delrin.

[RogueUSMC]

No idea what low IR is, but it's clearly some sort of plastic.]

Low inferred signature ie harder to see in imaging systems that "see IR"

I think in this case, IR refers to 'impact resistant' but I may be wrong

[E.Marquez]

No idea what low IR is, but it's clearly some sort of plastic.]

Low inferred signature ie harder to see in imaging systems that "see IR"

I think in this case, IR refers to 'impact resistant' but I may be wrong

From their site"Military grade Acetal Hardware – GhillieTEX™ low IR military grade plastic has superior strength while reducing noise and weight "

So your thinking they are advertising there product has a low impact resistance??? ..

I guess anything is possible.... but Im pretty sure your mistaken...Here, I'll go ask