ESD (electrostatic discharge) is the transfer of electrical charges between two contact points. ESD-safe materials like those from Essentium reduce or stop static electricity discharge, protecting electrostatic-sensitive devices.
Essentium is a leading producer of ESD-safe materials for FFF/FDM 3D printers, including Essentium’s HSE 280i HT, HSE 180 and HSE 240 HT series, and other 3D printers that have an open filament system and compatible settings.
What is an ESD-safe material?
ESD-safe materials have anti-static additives bonded to the polymers in the filament, which can neutralise the surrounding electromagnetic field. They are mostly used in the manufacturing of electronics and electrical engineering.
By printing parts with ESD-safe materials, those parts can be used without any risk of electrical charges flowing to other objects.
ESSENTIUM HTN – Z
ESSENTIUM HTN – Z (high-temperature nylon) is a performance filament designed to operate in elevated temperatures under stress.
It also has extremely low moisture absorption, making it suited to hot and humid environments, and it is stronger than PCTG, ABS, and regular nylon filaments. It’s ideal for tooling, assembly aids, fixtures, housings and part trays.
Printer settings:
- Nozzle Temperature, ºC 270 – 290
- Bed Temperature, ºC 70 – 80
- Print Speed, mm/s 20 – 60
ESSENTIUM PCTG – Z
ESSENTIUM PCTG – Z (Poly Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate glycol-modified) belongs to the same family as polyester. It has extreme impact resistance and is strong enough for lightly loaded fixtures.
This material is ideal for handheld tools and general assembly fixtures and components. It is non-marring and unaffected by humidity.
Printer settings:
- Nozzle Temperature, ºC 250 – 270
- Bed Temperature, ºC 70 – 80
- Print Speed, mm/s 40 – 80
ESSENTIUM TPU 58D-AS
ESSENTIUM TPU 58D-AS (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) has 58D Shore hardness, making it impact resistant yet flexible. Its ductility makes it ideal for dust caps, covers, jigs, no-fly parts and impact-rated components.
This material has Croda IonphaseTM permanent anti-static additives, giving it outstanding anti-static qualities beyond other TPUs.
Printer settings:
- Nozzle Temperature, ºC 230 – 250
- Bed Temperature, ºC 50 – 80
- Print Speed, mm/s 20 – 50
ESSENTIUM TPU 74D – Z
ESSENTIUM TPU 74D – Z (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) has 78D Shore hardness, making it harder than ESSENTIUM TPU 58D-AS.
The semi-rigid qualities of TPU 74D – Z make it perfect as an ABS replacement for snap-fit connectors, vibration isolation parts and impact-rates structural components. The material is non-marking with excellent tear resistance.
Printer settings:
- Nozzle Temperature, ºC 230 – 250
- Bed Temperature, ºC 50 – 80
- Print Speed, mm/s 20 – 50
ESSENTIUM TPU 80A – Z
ESSENTIUM TPU 80A – Z is the softest ESD-safe TPU in the Essentium materials library, with ultra-flexibility and a soft-touch surface.
This material is best for grippers, bumpers, gaskets and seals, suction cups, plugs, print-in-place soft springs and soft covers. It has high elongation at break and low friction, making it perfect for soft fittings that will see high wear.
Printer settings:
- Nozzle Temperature, ºC 240
- Bed Temperature, ºC 80
- Print Speed, mm/s 40
Find out more
To find out more about Essentium, visit our Essentium page or the official Essentium website. We are an authorised Essentium reseller and partner, so you can also contact us for advice and we’ll be happy to help.
[maxbutton id=”1″ ]