ABS-ESD7 is a specialized thermoplastic designed for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing, offering both strength and static dissipative properties.
Polymer Additive
ABS-ESD7
Material Overview
This material is ideal for environments where the build-up of static electricity can damage products, impair performance, or even cause safety hazards like explosions. ABS-ESD7 combines the durability of standard ABS with added static resistance, making it the go-to choice for industries that handle sensitive electronic components or require safe, controlled environments.
Key Features:
- Static Dissipative: Prevents the build-up of static electricity, protecting sensitive electronics and ensuring safety in hazardous environments.
- Strength and Durability: Retains the mechanical strength of traditional ABS, providing reliable, long-lasting parts.
- High-Performance Material: Suitable for applications requiring both mechanical strength and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection.
Color Option: Black
| Property | ASTM | Metric Units |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | D638M | 36 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity, Youngs Modulus | D638M | 2,400 MPa |
| Elongation at Break (%) | D638M | 3% |
| Flexural Strength | D790M | 61 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | D790M | 2,400 MPa |
| IZOD Impact (notched) | D256A | 28 J/m |
| Heat Deflection Temperature at .45 MPa/66 psi (°C) | D648 | 96 °C |
Technology:
FDM
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) uses a heated filament, like ABS or PLA, which is extruded through a nozzle that follows a programmed path to deposit material layer by layer on a build platform. The thermoplastics used in FDM create strong, durable parts that can endure mechanical stress. Its use of standard materials makes it a cost-effective choice for prototyping and low-volume production.
Applications:
Biocompatible and Sterilizable
- Jigs & Fixtures: Ideal for producing durable tools and fixtures for assembly and manufacturing environments where static control is essential.
- Electrical Connectors: Safeguards sensitive electronics by preventing static discharge during handling and assembly.
- Housing and Enclosures: Perfect for creating protective housings for electronics and other sensitive components.
- Under-the-Hood Applications: Withstands harsh conditions in automotive applications while providing static control.
Advantages:
- Static Dissipative Properties: ABS-ESD7 is specifically engineered to prevent the build-up of static electricity, protecting sensitive electronics and components from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD). This makes it ideal for environments that handle electronics or work in hazardous conditions where static could cause explosions.
- Durability and Strength: Like standard ABS, ABS-ESD7 offers excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and impact resistance, ensuring long-lasting parts that can endure demanding applications.
- Versatile Applications: ABS-ESD7 is perfect for a variety of industrial uses, including jigs, fixtures, electrical housings, and automotive under-the-hood components, combining static resistance with mechanical reliability.
- Cost-Effective for ESD Control: Compared to more exotic ESD materials, ABS-ESD7 provides an affordable option for static control in manufacturing and assembly environments.
- Heat Resistance: Offers reasonable heat resistance for many industrial and automotive applications, ensuring it performs well in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
- Ease of Printing: ABS-ESD7 is relatively easy to print with FDM technology, similar to standard ABS, making it accessible for rapid prototyping and production.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Color Options: ABS-ESD7 is typically only available in black, which may limit its aesthetic and design flexibility in certain applications where color variety is important.
- Lower Heat Resistance Compared to Other Materials: While it offers good general heat resistance, ABS-ESD7 is not suitable for extreme high-temperature environments compared to materials like polycarbonate (PC) or ULTEM.
- Surface Finish: ABS materials, including ABS-ESD7, often require post-processing to achieve a smoother surface finish. Without post-processing, parts may have visible layer lines, which might not be suitable for all applications.
- Moisture Sensitivity: ABS-based materials can absorb moisture from the air, which may affect print quality if not stored properly in a dry environment.
- Printability Challenges: While generally easier to print than other ESD materials, ABS-ESD7 may still require careful temperature control to prevent warping, particularly on larger prints.