SES N 3207 POM (Polyoxymethylene) Engineering Plastics

Developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation as part of its plastics and polymer material standards, the “SES N 3207 POM (polyoxymethylene) engineering plastics” standard describes the requirements, properties, and test methods for POM (polyoxymethylene) engineering plastics used in vehicle components.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive engineering and many other industrial sectors. Combining exceptional mechanical properties with good machinability, it is ideal for sensitive components that must withstand mechanical stress and environmental influences.

POM is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer composed of repeating (methanal) units. Its molecular structure gives it the following characteristics:

High hardness, strength, and rigidity (compared to or better than some metals).
Excellent dimensional stability with very low moisture absorption.
Low friction and high wear resistance allow parts to operate smoothly under sliding conditions.
Chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and many solvents used in automotive environments.

POM is produced in two main variants:

Homopolymer POM: High hardness and strength.
POM copolymer: Enhanced thermal and chemical stability for more demanding conditions.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) material offers several performance advantages that make it a popular choice over traditional materials such as metals and other plastics. The main advantages of POM material for automotive applications include:

Excellent mechanical performance: POM offers strong mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and rigidity. These properties are essential for load-bearing and wear-prone parts such as gears and bushings.
Low friction and wear resistance: Parts that operate with relative motion, such as sliding or rotating components, benefit from POM's low coefficient of friction. This reduces wear and extends service life, especially in mechanisms such as actuators, pulley systems, and steering elements.
Dimensional stability and precision: POM maintains its shape and tolerance accuracy even under thermal cycling and humidity changes. This makes it suitable for precision parts where tight tolerances are critical, such as locking mechanisms or sensor housings.
Resistance to automotive fuels and chemicals: Chemical stability (especially in contact with fuels, oils, and coolants) protects POM parts from degradation in harsh automotive environments.

In modern vehicle design and manufacturing, POM is found in many systems due to its performance and cost advantages. Typical applications of POM in the automotive industry include:

Mechanical and power transmission components:
Gears, racks, and pinions in transmission linkages
Bushings and bearings that reduce friction.
Valves and pump components in fluid systems such as fuel distribution and cooling circuits.

These parts benefit from POM's durability, wear resistance, and ability to withstand cyclical loads.

Body and internal mechanisms:
Door locks, latches, and handles
Seat adjustment and window regulators.
Lightweight and durable POM reduces vehicle weight and improves installation reliability, contributing to increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Electrical and sensor housings: POM's insulation properties and dimensional accuracy make it ideal for connectors, housings, and clips in electrical systems. These components must withstand vibration and thermal cycling without loss of electrical performance.
Fuel and emission systems: Specific POM grades are used in fuel system components where resistance to hydrocarbons and chemical corrosion is essential, including fuel pump housings, seals, and valves.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is generally preferred over other materials. POM offers a combination of performance, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability that is difficult to match:

A lightweight alternative to metals: It reduces vehicle weight and improves fuel economy.
Better wear performance than many other plastics: Extends part life.
Ease of molding and processing: Supports complex geometries and tight tolerances.
It is cost-competitive compared to specialty polymers and metal alloys.

In conclusion, POM engineering plastics play a vital role in automotive manufacturing by providing durable, precise, and lightweight components. Its unique combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and chemical stability supports a variety of applications, from powertrain components to electrical housings and internal mechanisms. As vehicles evolve toward higher performance and stricter emission standards, polyoxymethylene (POM) remains the material of choice for engineers seeking a balance between performance, reliability, and cost.

SES N 3307 is a technical specification used by Suzuki. This standard is part of a series of internal standards that define material requirements, test procedures, and quality criteria for automotive components. This particular standard focuses on test methods and quality requirements for plastic parts, specifically their physical properties and durability.

This standard is often referenced for the following purposes:

Elastic and plastic deformation capability: Testing how plastic or elastomeric (rubber-like) components return to their original shape after being subjected to tension or compression.
Compressive permanent deformation: Measuring the permanent deformation of a material after it has been held under a specific compressive force and temperature for a specified period of time.
Material performance: Ensuring that interior or exterior plastic coatings meet Suzuki's safety and durability criteria.

The SES N 3307 standard is necessary because it ensures that materials and components meet a vehicle's specific performance, safety, and durability requirements. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

It ensures material performance.
It guarantees safety and reliability.
Provides uniform supplier requirements.
It complies with international material standards.
It supports quality assurance and certification.

In conclusion, the SES N 3307 standard exists to ensure that POM or other engineering plastics used in vehicles are safe, reliable, and consistent across suppliers and production batches while meeting the original equipment manufacturers' specific performance requirements.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the SES N 3207 standard.