ESD (antistatic) filaments: where they are needed in electronics production and maintenance
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) – electrostatic dischargeis the same spark you sometimes feel when touching a door handle. People often do not feel it at all, but it can be enough to damage sensitive electronic components (microchips, transistors, sensor boards). That is why ESD protection measures are used in electronics manufacturing and repair – and for 3D printing there are special anti-static (ESD) filaments. We explain where they are needed and how to choose them.
Why ordinary plastic is not suitable everywhere
Standard filaments (PLA, PETG, nylon) are insulators. Static charge that builds up on their surface has nowhere to drain and can suddenly discharge onto an electronic component. A printed tray for boards, a bracket or a mounting jig can become a source of such charge.
ESD filaments have conductive additives mixed into the plastic (e.g. carbon nanotubes or carbon fibre). They allow the charge to drain away slowly and safely, rather than discharging in a single spark.
Conductive, dissipative or insulating material
Materials are divided into three groups according to how they dissipate charge. The main indicator is surface resistance (measured in ohms, Ω, or Ω/sq.):
| Group | How it handles charge | Suitable for sensitive electronics |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive (low resistance) | Discharges very quickly | A very fast discharge can also damage a component, and there is also a risk of a short circuit |
| Dissipative (medium resistance) | Discharges in a controlled, gradual way | Yes – this is an ESD-safe range |
| Insulating (high resistance) | Accumulates on the surface | No – the charge may discharge suddenly |
The exact limits are set by ESD standards (e.g. the IEC 61340 series, ANSI/ESD S20.20), and they also depend on the measurement method. The filament manufacturer Polymaker states that the ideal surface resistance range for an ESD-safe material is 10⁴–10⁹ Ω/sq.
Where ESD filaments are used
- Trays, boxes and shelves for printed circuit boards and components.
- Jigs and fixtures for board mounting, soldering and testing.
- Electronics enclosures and their internal parts.
- Tool holders and parts, used in an ESD protected area (EPA).
- Repair workshops – parts that come into contact with controllers, sensor boards and power supply electronics.
When ESD filaments are not needed
ESD filament is more expensive and more difficult to print than standard filament, so it is worth using only where a part contacts sensitive electronics or will be used in an ESD protected area. For mechanical spare parts – holders, covers, guides away from electronics – standard filaments (PETG, ASA, nylon) are sufficient. If you are unsure, check whether your company has ESD zone rules: they usually specify which materials are permitted there.
Two filaments: PETG-ESD and PA612-ESD
| Polymaker Fiberon PETG-ESD | Polymaker Fiberon PA612-ESD | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | PETG | PA612 nylon |
| Surface resistance (manufacturer data) | approx. 10⁴–10⁷ Ω/sq. | 10⁴–10⁷ Ω/sq. |
| Nozzle temperature | 250–290 °C | 280–300 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–80 °C | 40–50 °C (no more than 50 °C) |
| Nozzle | Hardened (filament is abrasive) | Hardened, all-metal hotend |
| Moisture | Store parts in a clean, dry place | Hygroscopic – print from a heated dryer |
| Suitable for | Enclosures, trays, jigs for PCB assembly | Where higher heat resistance and toughness are needed: enclosures, shelves, jigs |
PETG-ESD is the simpler choice if your printer does not have a high-temperature hotend. PA612-ESD requires more preparation – we wrote about drying nylon in an article "Drying and storing nylon filaments".
Important: printing temperature changes the resistance
According to Polymaker's test data, the higher the nozzle temperature, the lower the surface resistance of the printed part. For example, PETG-ESD printed at 290 °C had a resistance below 10⁴ Ω in the manufacturer's tests, while PA612-ESD printed at around 320 °C may behave like a conductive material. Resistance also varies depending on print direction. Therefore:
- follow the temperature range specified by the manufacturer;
- if the part is intended for an ESD zone – measure its surface resistance with a suitable instrument before use;
- do not confuse ESD filament with electrically conductive filament – these are different things.
ESD filament is only one link
An anti-static part alone does not protect electronics. Charge needs a path to earth: an earthed work surface, a wrist strap, ESD tools. If you work with sensitive electronics, it is worth looking at other workstation tools too, e.g. an ESD soldering station (Weller WE 1010) or ESD pliers (Knipex 78 03 125 ESD). More in the category Soldering supplies.
How to find them on inteq.lt
You will find ESD and other engineering filaments in the category Filaments. In search you can enter the manufacturer's code or upload a 📷 photo – the system will suggest a match and alternatives. If you need a specific material or are not sure which one will suit – send an enquiry and we will find it.
