"ESD" stands for "Electro-Static-Discharge" – a problem that can cause significant damage to materials, electronic components or entire devices. In this article, we will inform you about the potential dangers of ESD, which materials are ESD-discharge capable, the advantages of ESD Resin and in which areas this special material has excellent applications. In addition, we briefly introduce the manufacturing possibilities for ESD Resin in 3D printing below.
An electrostatic discharge is the equalization of electrical charge between 2 bodies with different voltage potentials. This can result in a pulse of electricity or even a spark. Almost everyone has experienced this phenomenon. It occurs, for example, when you get a small "shock" when opening a door or your sweater made of synthetic fabric "crackles" when you put it on or take it off. Such "small" discharges and even those that are below our perception threshold can be harmful to, for example, electronic components. For example, circuits and microchips are particularly susceptible. As little as 35 volts can destroy electronic components such as semiconductor devices.
Thus, the prevention of ESD events in production facilities or logistics centers is essential to prevent malfunctions of devices with electronics.
If appropriate protective measures against ESD are not taken or if ESD-dissipative materials are not used in electronics production, this can lead to considerable quality problems with the product and thus also to serious consequences for companies: from simple complaints to increased repair and replacement costs to the loss of the customer and reputation.
ESD-dissipative materials do not conduct electricity in the classical sense, but electrons can be dissipated across the surface of the material without "penetrating" it.
ESD-dissipating materials usually also have an antistatic effect and thus repel small particles such as dust. Since dust and other particles tend to accumulate static electricity, ESD dissipative materials also help to prevent ESD events in close quarters.
As already briefly mentioned, ESD events are dangerous for electronic components and thus the electrical product, especially in the electronics industry. Since the trend is constantly moving towards smaller electronic products or more and more electronics are being installed in the smallest possible space, there is less and less room for protective charges. As a result, the sensitivity of electronic products to ESD events is constantly increasing.
Furthermore, ESD-dissipative materials are important in environments where sparks and fire should never occur (for example, at gas stations), since electrostatic discharge can cause sparks to fly.
For many years, metals have been the focus in the machining field for dissipating ESD events. Thanks to 3D printing, other materials such as ESD resin are now coming to the fore. 3D printing offers a cost-effective, flexible and fast alternative in the field of manufacturing for many applications.
ESD Resin is a resilient ESD-dissipative resin that is used primarily in the aerospace, semiconductor, automotive and other electronics sectors thanks to its remarkable technical properties. It significantly reduces the risk of electrostatic discharges and thus performance impairments.
Whether tools for electronics manufacturing, containers for storing components or antistatic prototypes as well as end-use parts - ESD Resin is a true all-rounder.
It enables fast printing of dissipative parts that keep out dust and protection thanks to its antistatic effect. This material is the optimal option in a photopolymer to protect your sensitive electronics from static discharges. In addition, you can increase the efficiency of your electronics production with ESD Resin. Its special impact resistance allows components made of this resin to withstand even the roughest conditions on a production line.
The most important properties of ESD Resin at a glance:
For more technical data/properties of ESD Resin, please feel free to contact Jellypipe's team of experts.
As a synthetic resin, ESD Resin is best processed using stereolithography (SLA). In this process, the liquid plastic is processed with a laser beam (UV light). In this process, the desired shape of the object is created by the gradual hardening of the resin.
The finished object is then post-cured using UV light in an exposure chamber.
SLA 3D printing enables the production of very small (and large), filigree components and smooth surfaces. You can expect a very high degree of accuracy and precise detail resolution. This type of manufacturing is particularly suitable for the production of highly individual objects, such as tools and prototypes.
You can read more detailed information about this additive manufacturing process on our website.
Do you have any questions about ESD Resin, the production of components using the SLA process or 3D printing in general? We will be happy to provide you with advice and support at any time. Please feel free to contact us!
Read more about the most commonly
used materials, and how
to find the right one:
Additive manufacturing offers an economical
alternative to traditional methods
in the area of metals too.
If you already have a 3D printing project, you can upload the file to a Solution Partner Store and immediately find out the price and delivery times, or place the order. If you have any questions or a complex project, we will be happy to advise you at any time. Select your contact person and contact us.
We would be happy to advise you in detail about the use of ESD-dissipative materials. Write to us or simply give us a call: our experts are always available for you.
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