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ESD material for printing

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K
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Hello, I’m looking for the right ESD material for an enclosure for a sensitive electronic device used in semiconductor manufacturing. The material requires ESD protection with surface resistivity between 10^4 and 10^11 ohms/square, dimensional tolerance of ±0.1mm, and heat resistance up to 80°C. I’m considering ESD-safe ABS versus ESD-safe PA12 (Nylon) for 3D printing but I am concerned about moisture absorption affecting ESD properties. Has anyone experienced the long-term stability of ESD properties in 3D-printed PA12 in cleanroom environments?

Solved by Byrne Sharp

PA12 (Nylon) is well known for its tendency to absorb moisture over time. In most cases, this is not really a major concern but your ESD requirement makes PA12 unsuitable. I would imagine that a semiconductor cleanroom would have very stringent environmental controls and that moisture levels in the air would be kept to an absolute minimum so perhaps it's not a concern, but it's better to be conservative in such a high-end application.

    • K

      Hello, I’m looking for the right ESD material for an enclosure for a sensitive electronic device used in semiconductor manufacturing. The material requires ESD protection with surface resistivity between 10^4 and 10^11 ohms/square, dimensional tolerance of ±0.1mm, and heat resistance up to 80°C. I’m considering ESD-safe ABS versus ESD-safe PA12 (Nylon) for 3D printing but I am concerned about moisture absorption affecting ESD properties. Has anyone experienced the long-term stability of ESD properties in 3D-printed PA12 in cleanroom environments?

      0
    • B

      PA12 (Nylon) is well known for its tendency to absorb moisture over time. In most cases, this is not really a major concern but your ESD requirement makes PA12 unsuitable. I would imagine that a semiconductor cleanroom would have very stringent environmental controls and that moisture levels in the air would be kept to an absolute minimum so perhaps it’s not a concern, but it’s better to be conservative in such a high-end application.

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      • K
        Byrne Sharp

        How would you compare their 3D printing behavior?

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      • B
        Kaur Hunter

        ESD materials are very abrasive to 3D printing nozzles and can cause high wear on non-hardened nozzles. Both ABS and PA12 are difficult to print but ABS tends to be slightly easier despite its tendency to warp (which can be overcome with a heated bed and enclosure). Nylon’s high moisture absorption can cause printing defects like bubbling and layer delamination.

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