Improving Dimensional Stability and Cutting Costs with POM

Background Information

A manufacturer in Kyoto consulted Yumoto Electric about producing a large number of identical inspection fixtures. These fixtures were originally made from paper bakelite, a commonly used plastic material known for its insulation and heat resistance. However, when Yumoto Electric examined the existing fixtures, they noticed extensive chipping and damage, suggesting that the material might not be ideal for repeated use.

Problem Statement

Paper bakelite, while offering good thermal properties and electrical insulation, is brittle, prone to chipping, and highly absorbent. The customer had been replacing these fixtures frequently, which increased overall production costs. The main challenge was to maintain quality and durability while keeping the new production within budget.

Solution Implementation

After discussing the customer’s requirements and analyzing the application, Yumoto Electric proposed switching the fixture material from paper bakelite to POM (Duracon®), a type of engineering plastic known for its dimensional stability, strength, and excellent machinability.

POM’s low moisture absorption and high surface hardness make it ideal for precision inspection fixtures that must maintain accuracy over time. The material change did not require any additional coating or complex finishing, which helped reduce both production time and overall cost.

Results

The new POM inspection fixtures delivered superior dimensional stability and significantly reduced chipping compared to the original paper bakelite design. As a result, the customer achieved both improved durability and lower long-term costs, since fewer replacements were needed.

Customer Feedback

“Since the fixtures now last much longer, we no longer need to keep a large stock on hand. We hadn’t even considered changing the material, so your proposal was extremely helpful. Thank you very much.”
— Manufacturing company, Kyoto Prefecture

This case highlights how selecting the right plastic material and machining process can lead to measurable cost savings, improved part performance, and better production efficiency.