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.

    • 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
MJF material with the best low-temp resistance
Hello, I need to produce a small housing component for an outdoor sensor unit. I thought MJF could be a good fit for prototyping and potentially low-volume production. The part needs to handle exposure... read more
J
1
28
Apr 15
Best material for vibration-dampers fan spacers
Help, I need to reduce vibrations transmitted to the enclosure and improve airflow efficiency for 3D-printed spacers for mounting cooling fans on an industrial control cabinet. These spacers need to provide some damping without... read more
Y
C
2
127
Mar 20
Coated fasteners for stainless steel in coastal environments
We need to create a stainless steel structure for outdoor use in a coastal environment, and corrosion is our primary concern. We're considering coated fasteners but need to understand whether thicker coatings provide adequate... read more
M
C
1
103
Mar 18
Aluminium 5083 stiff enough for electronic keyboard enclosure?
I’m working on an enclosure for a compact electronic keyboard system, including a weighted key mechanism, and have chosen Aluminium 5083 for all parts due to its corrosion resistance and machinability. My main concern... read more
S
o
B
3
130
Apr 15
Best injection molding plastic for plastic enclosure
Hi everyone, we’re talking about a snap-fit design for a small electronic enclosure that needs to be opened and closed frequently—about 20 cycles per week. The part should be injection molded, and I’m deciding... read more
M
B
V
3
174
Apr 16