select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

ESD material for printing

0
K
3

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.

      0
      Reply
      • K
        Byrne Sharp

        How would you compare their 3D printing behavior?

        0
        Reply
      • 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.

        0
        Reply
ESD material for printing
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Choosing a production process for low-volume over-molded elastomer grip
Hi! Deciding between low-volume production options for a small elastomeric over-molded grip on a handheld power tool. The part has undercuts and thin ribs, and we need decent tear resistance, but only ~200–300 pcs/year.... read more
A
0
35
Jan 22
Choosing PA12 vs PA12-CF for an SLS-printed automotive cam cover prototype
hey, I’m working on a three-piece cam/valve cover for a small automotive engine project, mainly a functional prototype that will see real under-hood temperatures, oil mist, and vibration, but not long-term production use. The... read more
h
l
1
40
Jan 22
Surface Finish
I am looking to have some Aluminium samples made............without adding extra post process operations what is the best surface finish possible (um) ?
a
0
37
Jan 20
Choosing the right tool steel grade for a high-volume stamping die
hi, I’m designing a cold-formed stamping die for thin stainless-steel sheets (gauge ~1.5 mm) used in an enclosure that will see around 500 k cycles. Given that abrasion resistance and dimensional stability over long... read more
J
D
1
195
Dec 17
Blasting and anodizing order on aluminum parts
Hello! need help - am working on a set of 6061-T6 aluminum control knobs for a small instrument panel, and the surface finish is important since they’ll be handled frequently and remain visible. The... read more
J
C
1
199
Dec 09