Delrin AF DE588 | U. S. Navy Naval-Grade Acetal for High Load Wear and Sealing Components
Delrin AF DE588 is a specialized 20% PTFE-fiber-filled acetal homopolymer specifically tested and certified for U.S. Navy applications (NAVSEA 5959311). While standard PTFE-filled acetals focus primarily on friction, AF DE588 is engineered to balance lubricity with the extreme toughness and conformability required for underwater and high-pressure environments.
What Delrin AF DE588 offers
Performance characteristics that make Delrin AF DE588 the industry standard for naval valve seats, high-shock seals, and demanding wear applications.
Higher stiffness and rigidity
Glass fiber reinforcement significantly increases stiffness, making PEEK GF30 well-suited for structural components that must resist bending and deflection.
Improved dimensional stability
Lower thermal expansion and reduced creep enable machined parts to maintain tight tolerances under mechanical load and temperature variation.
Strong mechanical performance under load
Provides higher tensile and flexural strength compared to unfilled PEEK, supporting demanding load-bearing applications.
Better performance for thin-walled and precision parts
The added rigidity supports designs where thinner sections or tighter tolerances are required.
Reliable performance in harsh environments
Maintains stability in environments with heat, mechanical stress, and exposure to fuels, oils, and industrial chemicals.
Common components made from Delrin AF DE588
Typical machined parts exposed to higher loads, shock, and continuous motion in demanding environments.
High-Pressure Fluid Power Components
Delrin AF DE588 is used in high-pressure fluid power valve seats, piston guides, and wear rings where a hard, low-friction surface must also seal effectively under pressure. Its ability to combine sliding wear resistance with conformable sealing behavior makes it unique among engineering thermoplastics for fluid power applications.
Naval Bushings and Bearings
AF DE588 is the industry-standard replacement for bronze and stainless steel bushings in naval applications. It provides total corrosion resistance, self-lubrication in saltwater environments, and significantly quieter operation without the need for external lubrication — critical for noise-sensitive submarine and naval surface vessel applications.
Aerospace Gaskets and Seals
Where low outgassing and high chemical resistance are paired with the need for impact durability.
High-Vibration Machinery Components
Components that must survive constant oscillation without fatigue or stress-cracking.
Heavy-Duty Marine Valves
Where the material must deform slightly to create a seal against metal.
Submarine Valve Seats and Hatch Seals
Delrin DE588 is the industry standard for submarine valve seats, hatch seals, and internal gaskets in naval systems. Its conformable nature allows it to yield under high compression, creating reliable watertight and gas-tight barriers that withstand the extreme pressures and shock loads of submarine operation.
Delrin AF DE588 Technical Properties
| Property | Test | Delrin AF DE588 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D638 | 8,000 | PSI |
| Tensile Modulus | ASTM D638 | 360 | KSI |
| Elongation @ Break | ASTM D638 | 15 | % |
| Flexural Strength | ASTM D790 | 11,500 | PSI |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 | 355 | KSI |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM D695 | 9,500 | PSI |
| Izod Impact (notched) | ASTM D256 | 1.0 | ft-lb/in |
| Hardness Rockwell | ASTM D785 | M76/R116 | — |
| Property | Test | Delrin AF DE588 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDT @ 264 psi | ASTM D648 | 248 | °F |
| Melting Point | — | 347 | °F |
| CLTE | ASTM E831 | 5.5 | in/in/°F × 10⁻⁵ |
| Thermal Conductivity | ASTM C177 | 1.5 | BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| Property | Test | Delrin AF DE588 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | ASTM D149 | 490 | V/mil |
| Dielectric Constant | ASTM D150 | 3.5 | — |
| Dissipation Factor | ASTM D150 | 0.005 | — |
| Surface Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 10¹⁵ | Ω/sq |
| Volume Resistivity | ASTM D257 | 10¹⁵ | Ω·cm |
| Property | Test | Delrin AF DE588 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | ASTM D3702 | 0.12 | — |
| Wear Rate (K-factor) | ASTM D3702 | 6 | × 10⁻¹⁰ in³·min/ft·lb·hr |
| Property | Test | Delrin AF DE588 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D792 | 1.52 | — |
| Water Absorption (24hr) | ASTM D570 | 0.22 | % |
| Flammability | UL94 | HB | — |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Compliance |
REACH/SVHC Article 59 (10) RoHS 2015/863 (EU) CA Proposition 65 |
| Resin Specifications | ASTM D6778 POM0110L20B45340 |
| Agency Specifications |
General Dynamics Dwg: DRN 803-438-4678 Rev C, with DRN C2 NAVSEA Dwg: 5959311 Rev C, Note 2.K (3) (J) Sheets 13 and 14 |
Delrin AF DE588 rods, plates & tubular bars
Extruded stock shapes are supplied in standard diameters and thicknesses, with custom dimensions available for specific applications.
Rods
Extruded Delrin AF DE588 rods are supplied for high-load bearing, sealing, and sliding wear applications requiring low friction and excellent wear resistance. Rods are available in diameters from 3/4” to 10”.
Plates
Delrin AF DE588 plates are supplied for machined wear pads, thrust surfaces, guide and sealing components. Plates are available in thicknesses from 1/2” to 4”.
Tubular Bars
Delrin AF DE588 tubular bars are supplied for bushings, sleeve bearings, wear rings, and cylindrical wear components where reduced machining waste and lower finished-part cost are important. Tubular bars are available from 4” OD to 12” OD with wall thicknesses from 1/2” to 1”.
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How Delrin AF DE588 compares to other Delrin AF grades
Quick reference guide to help you choose the right Delrin AF material for your application.
| Grade | PTFE Type | Friction (CoF) | Impact Strength | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delrin AF DE588 | 20% Fiber | 0.19 | 2.5 ft-lb/in (Tough) | Naval/Seal Grade: Conformable for watertight seals and high-shock environments. |
| Delrin 100AF | 20% Fiber | 0.18 (Lowest) | 0.8 ft-lb/in (Brittle) | Max Lubricity: Best for heavy-duty, slow-moving bearings with no lubrication. |
| Delrin AF100 (Blend) | 13% Fiber | 0.19 – 0.20 | 1.2 ft-lb/in (Mod) | The Workhorse: Best balance of wear life, strength, and machinability. |
| Delrin AF13P | 13% Powder | 0.22 – 0.25 | 1.1 ft-lb/in (Mod) | Economy Grade: Lowest cost for high-volume, low-load commercial parts. |
Need help determining if Delrin AF DE588 is the right choice?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Delrin AF DE588 is a specialized, 20% PTFE-fiber-filled acetal homopolymer. It was developed specifically for the U.S. Navy to provide a unique combination of extreme toughness, low friction, and sealing "conformability" that standard acetal grades cannot match.
Choose Delrin AF DE588 when your application involves shock, vibration, or sealing requirements. While 100AF has slightly lower friction, it is brittle. AF DE588 is roughly 3x tougher and is the superior choice for components that must survive impact or deform slightly to create a watertight seal.
Most PTFE-filled grades (like 100AF or AF Blend) focus primarily on lubricity and are very rigid. Delrin AF DE588 is a "high-load" grade that prioritizes structural integrity and resilience under pressure. It is designed to maintain its wear properties even when subjected to the extreme surface pressures found in naval valve systems.
Yes. Like all "AF" grades, it is self-lubricating. The PTFE fibers create a persistent lubricating film on mating surfaces, making it ideal for subsea or vacuum environments where traditional greases would wash away or contaminate the system.
It is excellent for moderate speeds under high loads. For ultra-high-speed, low-load applications, the 100AF might be preferred for its marginally lower coefficient of friction (0.18 vs. 0.19). However, DE588 is the definitive choice for high-pressure sliding where "slip-stick" must be eliminated.
Absorption is extremely low (<0.2%). This is critical for its primary use in naval and subsea components, as it ensures that precision-machined seals and valves do not swell or lose dimensional accuracy when submerged in saltwater.
Yes. It retains the natural dielectric properties of acetal, making it a safe choice for components that require both mechanical wear resistance and electrical insulation.
It is primarily supplied as extruded rods, plates and tubular bars. Because it is a "Navy-spec" material, it is often processed under strict quality controls to ensure it meets NAVSEA 5959311 standards, including requirements for low internal stress.
Absolutely. It is the industry-standard replacement for bronze and stainless steel in naval valve seats and bushings. It offers significant weight savings, total corrosion resistance, and much quieter operation without the need for constant lubrication.
Delrin AF DE588 is unique because it combines the machinability of acetal with the impact strength of high-end elastomers. While materials like PEEK may handle higher temperatures, AF DE588 offers a superior "sealing feel" and toughness for high-pressure fluid power and marine applications at a more accessible price point.