Control static electricity risks and ensure application reliability! An analysis of the ESD 3D printing material series
The hazards of “static electricity”!
Static electricity is “invisible and intangible,” yet an uncontrolled electrostatic discharge poses significant risks to industries with stringent precision requirements. In electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, automation, and aerospace—especially in integrated circuits and microchips—electrostatic discharge can instantly cause component damage, parameter drift, and even trigger production safety incidents.
Sensitive components require protection during manufacturing, after production, throughout transportation and equipment assembly, as well as in the final device.
So, what are antistatic materials?
In engineering applications, antistatic performance is not determined by whether static electricity exists. Antistatic materials are essentially materials with controllable static behavior, generally defined by their resistivity range.
Generally, when tested with professional equipment, if the surface resistance of a material falls within the range of 10⁶–10¹² Ω, electrical charges can dissipate in a relatively safe and stable manner. Such materials are classified as antistatic materials.
This range is precisely the “safe zone” required in electronics manufacturing and automation equipment.
How is the antistatic function achieved in 3D printing materials?
The base polymer determines the mechanical properties of the material, such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance, while fillers provide the required electrical conductivity.
The eSUN antistatic series 3D printing materials use carbon nanotubes as fillers. Unlike traditional conductive carbon black or graphite composites, carbon nanotubes feature a high aspect ratio and excellent conductivity, effectively dissipating static electricity while maintaining the mechanical properties of the base polymer. Compared with ionic antistatic agents, they do not rely on ambient humidity and provide long-lasting, stable, and superior antistatic performance.
According to testing, the surface resistance of eSUN antistatic materials and printed parts is approximately 10⁶ Ω–10¹¹ Ω, demonstrating stable and excellent antistatic performance.
eSUN Antistatic Series 3D Printing Materials
Based on different application requirements, eSUN has launched three types of antistatic 3D printing materials: PETG-ESD, ABS-ESD, and PC-ESD.
PETG-ESD: Waterproof, corrosion-resistant antistatic material
ABS-ESD: Heat-resistant, impact-resistant antistatic material
PC-ESD: High-performance antistatic material
PETG-ESD
Stable printing, low warpage, and high precision, suitable for fixtures, trays, turnover parts, and other applications in electronics manufacturing that require high dimensional stability and production efficiency.
ABS-ESD
Balancing strength, rigidity, and heat resistance, with comprehensive performance, suitable for functional verification, automated tooling, and antistatic structural parts requiring certain heat resistance. The material has low density and is also suitable for lightweight application scenarios, such as drones, robots, or wearable devices.
PC-ESD
Provides stable and excellent antistatic performance based on high strength and high heat resistance. It is suitable for engineering-grade components used in high-temperature environments and for long-term applications, representing the most comprehensive performance option currently available.
