{"id":4093,"date":"2026-11-03T21:37:33","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T19:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inteq.lt\/esd-antistatines-gijos-elektronikai\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T21:37:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T19:37:33","slug":"esd-antistatines-gijos-elektronikai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inteq.lt\/en\/esd-antistatines-gijos-elektronikai\/","title":{"rendered":"ESD (antistatic) filaments: where they are needed in electronics production and maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) \u2013 electrostatic discharge<\/em>is 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 \u2013 and for 3D printing there are special anti-static (ESD) filaments. We explain where they are needed and how to choose them.<\/p>\n

Why ordinary plastic is not suitable everywhere<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Conductive, dissipative or insulating material<\/h2>\n

Materials are divided into three groups according to how they dissipate charge. The main indicator is surface resistance (measured in ohms, \u03a9, or \u03a9\/sq.):<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Group<\/th>\nHow it handles charge<\/th>\nSuitable for sensitive electronics<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Conductive<\/strong> (low resistance)<\/td>\nDischarges very quickly<\/td>\nA very fast discharge can also damage a component, and there is also a risk of a short circuit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dissipative<\/strong> (medium resistance)<\/td>\nDischarges in a controlled, gradual way<\/td>\nYes \u2013 this is an ESD-safe range<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insulating<\/strong> (high resistance)<\/td>\nAccumulates on the surface<\/td>\nNo \u2013 the charge may discharge suddenly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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 10\u2074\u201310\u2079 \u03a9\/sq.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where ESD filaments are used<\/h2>\n