Micro CNC surface texturing on polyoxymethylene (POM) and its tribological performance in lubricated sliding

The effect of surface texturing on the friction of polyoxymethylene was investigated in terms of surface texturing density. Surface texture was machined using CNC machining. Five different surface texturing densities were machined and tested in a pin-on-disk sliding configuration. Bearing steel was used as a mating material on polyoxymethylene (POM). Sliding speed and nominal contact pressure were 0.1 m/s and 1.35 MPa, respectively. Sliding distance was 1 km, and the lubricant was SAE 5W-30 oil. The lowest coefficient of friction was obtained with a 10% texturing density, where the reduction in friction was about 50% of that of the non-textured POM.

► First of all, this research has focused on the manufacturing of surface texturing on a polymeric material, which has not been reported.
► In addition to the manufacturing itself, the technique used and reported in this study is a novel technique that has a huge potential in many practical areas.
► Mechanical elements composed of polymer often experience tribological troubles.
► In particular, surface texturing of polymeric small gears, seals, rings, and so on can be exploited using the current technique, and their performance can be further enhanced.