POM Plastic Ball Bearings — Lightweight, Corrosion-Resistant Rolling Beads for Precision Applications When metal bearings corrode, add unwanted weight, or create electrical interference, engineers and DIY builders turn to POM plastic ball bearings as a reliable alternative. These solid polyoxymethylene rolling beads are designed for hobbyists, robotics builders, and light-machinery technicians who need dimensionally consistent, chemically resistant rolling elements without the cost or weight of stainless steel. Each POM plastic ball bearing is machined from solid polyoxymethylene (acetal) resin — a dense, low-friction engineering thermoplastic. Available in diameters from 2 mm (approx. 0.079") to 44.45 mm (approx. 1.75"), these rolling beads cover a wide range of bore and raceway fits. Quantities range from single pieces to 1,000-piece bulk packs, making them suitable for both prototyping and production runs. Typical use cases include 3D printer guide rails, food-safe conveyor systems where metal contamination is a concern, RC vehicle pivot points, and custom bearing housings in light automation equipment. The non-conductive nature of POM also makes these beads a go-to choice for electrical insulation applications and sensor housings. ⚙️ Compatibility Note: These solid POM balls are ungrooved rolling elements intended for use in custom housings, V-slot channels, or open-race assemblies. They are not pre-assembled bearings. Verify your housing bore diameter and tolerance before ordering. ✅ Key Features of These POM Plastic Ball Bearings 🔵 Solid Polyoxymethylene ConstructionMachined from dense acetal (POM-C) resin for consistent roundness and dimensional stability across the full size range. ⚖️ Lightweight Rolling ElementsSignificantly lighter than steel or ceramic balls of equivalent diameter — reduces rotational inertia in speed-sensitive assemblies. 🛡️ Corrosion and Chemical ResistancePOM resists moisture, dilute acids, fuels, and most solvents — suitable for damp environments and food-adjacent applications where metal oxidation is unacceptable. ⚡ Electrically Non-ConductiveIdeal for sensor housings, PCB assembly jigs, and any application requiring electrical isolation between moving components. 📐 Wide Size Range: 2 mm – 44.45 mm37 diameter options covering both metric and imperial-equivalent sizes (e.g., 3.175 mm = 1/8", 9.525 mm = 3/8", 25.4 mm = 1") for broad compatibility. 📦 Flexible Quantity OptionsOrder from 1 piece up to 1,000 pieces per SKU — prototype with small packs, then scale to bulk quantities without switching suppliers. 📐 Technical Specifications — POM Plastic Ball Bearings Material Polyoxymethylene (POM-C / Acetal Copolymer) Ball Type Solid, ungrooved rolling bead Diameter Range 2 mm – 44.45 mm (approx. 0.079" – 1.750") Available Sizes 2, 3, 3.175, 3.969, 4, 4.5, 4.763, 5, 5.556, 6, 6.35, 6.95, 7, 7.144, 8, 9, 9.525, 10, 11, 12, 12.7, 14, 15, 15.875, 19, 19.05, 20, 22, 22.225, 25, 25.4, 30, 30.16, 35, 38.1, 40, 44.45 mm Color / Finish Natural white / off-white (POM natural color) Surface Finish Smooth machined surface Operating Temperature Typically –40°C to +90°C (–40°F to +194°F) Hardness See variant options Tolerance Grade See variant options Quantity per Pack 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000 pcs (see variant options) Application Custom housings, V-slot rails, open-race assemblies, light automation, robotics, food-safe conveyors ❓ Frequently Asked Questions What diameter should I choose for my application? Match the ball diameter to your housing bore or V-slot channel width. For standard imperial fits, use 3.175 mm (1/8"), 6.35 mm (1/4"), 9.525 mm (3/8"), 12.7 mm (1/2"), 19.05 mm (3/4"), 25.4 mm (1"), or 38.1 mm (1.5"). For metric fits, choose from the full metric size list. If you are unsure, contact us to confirm the correct fit for your housing dimensions. How strong are POM plastic ball bearings compared to steel? POM (acetal) has a compressive strength of approximately 110–140 MPa — significantly lower than steel (typically 400–800 MPa). These balls are designed for light-load, low-speed applications such as guide rails, pivot points, and decorative or functional rolling elements. They are not suitable for high-load radial or axial bearing applications where steel or ceramic balls are required. Are these ball bearings food-safe or suitable for wet environments? POM-C (acetal copolymer) is widely used in food-processing equipment due to its low moisture absorption, resistance to dilute acids and cleaning agents, and absence of metal contamination risk. However, food-safety compliance depends on your specific regulatory requirements. For wet environments, POM outperforms carbon steel by resisting rust and corrosion, making it a practical choice for damp or splash-prone assemblies. Can I use these in a standard ball bearing race or housing? These are solid rolling elements (balls), not pre-assembled bearing units. They are intended for use in custom housings, open-race assemblies, V-slot channels, or any application where individual rolling balls are required. They will not fit directly into a standard sealed bearing cartridge designed for a specific ball complement. Verify your housing geometry and ball complement count before ordering. What is the operating temperature range for POM ball bearings? POM-C typically performs reliably from –40°C to +90°C (–40°F to +194°F). Prolonged exposure above 90°C can cause dimensional creep and reduced load capacity. For higher-temperature environments (above 100°C), consider PEEK or PTFE alternatives. POM maintains good dimensional stability at low temperatures, making it suitable for refrigerated or outdoor applications. How do I choose between small packs and bulk quantities? Start with a 1-piece or 5-piece pack to verify fit and performance in your prototype or housing before committing to a larger order. Once the size is confirmed, bulk packs (100, 200, 500, or 1,000 pcs) offer a lower per-unit cost and reduce reorder frequency for production runs. Bulk options are available for the most popular sizes — select your size first, then choose the quantity that matches your production volume. Are these balls electrically conductive? No. POM is an electrical insulator with a volume resistivity typically above 10¹³ Ω·cm. This makes these balls suitable for applications requiring electrical isolation — such as PCB assembly jigs, sensor housings, and any assembly where conductive rolling elements would create a short-circuit risk. If conductivity is required, consider conductive-grade polymer or metal balls instead. 🛒 Select your Size and Amount above, then add to cart.
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