ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) antistatic filaments are polymers loaded with controlled conductive additives that safely dissipate electrostatic discharges. They are essential for 3D printing parts intended to come into contact with sensitive electronic components: PCB housings, component trays, cleanroom equipment, antistatic supports for electronic assembly lines.
When to use an ESD filament
- Electronic assembly: trays, containers, fixtures for components sensitive to discharge.
- Cleanrooms: parts for controlled environments with high ESD sensitivity.
- Electric automotive: supports for battery modules and control units.
- Telecommunications: housings for high-density boards.
- Defense and aerospace: components for military and avionics systems.
Technical specifications
- Surface resistivity: typically 10⁶-10⁹ ohms (controlled dissipative).
- Base materials: PETG-ESD, ABS-ESD, Nylon ESD (PA612, PA6), PEEK ESD.
- Nozzle temperature: 230-250 °C (PETG-ESD), 240-260 °C (ABS-ESD), 280-310 °C (PA-ESD).
- Coloration: predominantly black (carbon black is often the ESD additive).
- Nozzle: ≥0.5 mm in hardened steel (carbon fibers are abrasive).
Brands on Strato3D
PETG-ESD and ABS-ESD from eSUN, Fiberon PA612-ESD and PETG-ESD lines from Polymaker, BASF Forward AM SLS ESD powders (for industrial SLS printers). For printing reinforced polyamides, also consult the Nylon filaments collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference with "conductive"? ESD = controlled dissipative (10⁶-10⁹ ohms). Conductive = low resistance (below 10⁴ ohms). ESD slowly dissipates charges, conductive transmits current.
Are special parameters needed? Yes, additives require higher temperatures and abrasion-resistant nozzles.
Do they maintain the ESD effect over time? Yes, the additives are uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix.
Can I color them? They are predominantly black; some grades exist in gray or natural but are rare.