Cutting Delrin / POM at 2 mm with a OMTech AF3555-100

This page describes a laser cutting setting published for Delrin / POM at 2 mm, tested on a OMTech AF3555-100 fitted with a CO2 100W source (10,600 nm CO2, 100 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.

Why those four facts matter: a cutting setting that works on Delrin / POM at 2 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 100 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.

Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.

No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.

Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Delrin / POM, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 10,600 nm CO2, and never leave the machine unattended.

About OMTech machines

OMTech offers a broad range of enclosed CO2 machines, fibre markers and galvo models, with many options (honeycomb bed, rotary, chiller). On CO2 units, mirror alignment quality on delivery varies: a setting that gives nothing often starts as an alignment problem, not a power one.

What to know about Delrin / POM

Delrin (polyoxymethylene) is the engineering plastic of mechanisms: rigid, self-lubricating, precise. It cuts with a CO2 leaving a very clean edge, making it excellent for gears and living hinges.

POM vaporises cleanly, without the melted burr of PP: the edge comes out crisp and matt, almost machined. A single high-power pass gives the best result.

It needs noticeably more energy than acrylic of the same thickness. On a diode the result is poor: this is a CO2 material.

Engraving has little contrast on black Delrin and gives a satin white on white: for mechanical markings, prefer a deep engrave over a light mark.

POM releases formaldehyde as it decomposes: irritant, with a sharp smell. Effective extraction is essential, and long runs in a poorly ventilated space should be avoided.

The edge needs no finishing. Delrin, however, barely glues at all: design for interlocking or screwing.