Formlabs ESD Resin for SLA 3D printing

We are pleased to announce the launch of Formlabs ESD Resin. This ESD safe material has been developed for technical device manufacturers to reduce the risk of static discharge and increase yields on their electronics production lines. Formlabs ESD Resin is a cost-effective solution for the manufacture of static dissipative components intended for use on the production line. It is also suitable for the production of prototypes and end-use parts.

Read on to find out how the ESD Resin for SLA 3D printing works.

What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when there is a sudden flow of electricity between two charged objects. Static electricity accumulates when there is friction between several insulating components. If one of these components comes into contact with a conductor, the electricity discharges into the conductor. This is particularly dangerous in the electronics industry, where ESD-sensitive parts such as circuit boards can be damaged by unregulated static discharge. Even the friction of a device touching a housing can cause an accumulation of electrons and lead to an electrostatic discharge. This can short-circuit the electrical components and result in a non-functioning product. Lack of control over processes involving ESD-sensitive parts can reduce the overall yield of production.

What are ESD materials?

ESD materials dissipate static electricity to protect components that are sensitive to static electricity. ESD materials are not real “conductors”. However, electrons can flow across their surfaces and dissipate static shocks if they occur. When grounded, ESD materials provide a point of discharge for the electrical charge, allowing electrons to flow harmlessly across their surface to a grounded point.

An additional advantage is that ESD materials are antistatic when grounded, which means that small particles such as dust, powder and polystyrene do not stick to them. In many electronics manufacturing plants, these particles lead to deposits and ultimately to the failure of sensitive electrical and mechanical systems.

ESD materials for tools and assembly processes minimize the risk of failure from both electrical charge overload and static electricity. Until now, manufacturers have resorted to machined metals for these materials, but now 3D printing solutions are available.

Formlabs ESD Resin for SLA 3D printing of parts in electronics manufacturing

3D printing is a more cost-effective and faster alternative to machining for many applications. Until now, however, there have only been a few options for additively manufacturing high-quality ESD materials. Either they were part of a high-priced system, which is unaffordable for many SMEs, or they were printed on machines whose resolution and reliability were not sufficient for industrial environments.

Formlabs SLA printers now offer ESD Resin, a solution that is highly beneficial for specific applications and workflows in a variety of industries. Many products today contain electronic components and therefore require ESD-safe materials.

When prototyping production parts, it is essential for testing and validation that all components work together. The electronic components must function smoothly. Machine production is expensive and associated with long lead times. This prevents manufacturers from bringing their products out of the prototype stage. The resilience of Formlabs ESD Resin is higher than other 3D printed ESD materials. This allows engineers to produce prototypes without the risk of mechanical or electrical failure.

In a production line with electrical components, ESD-safe materials are required at all contact points. Tools and fixtures have typically been made from metals that are inherently conductive. Now manufacturers can quickly and easily 3D print ESD resin fixtures to safely dissipate static electricity away from sensitive electrical parts. The high tensile modulus and toughness of Formlabs ESD Resin make it ideal for production environments where strength and durability are critical.

After assembly, electrical components need to be safely housed and stored at various stages of the process or before leaving the factory premises. Holding devices are large and often have customized geometries, which makes them expensive to machine. With ESD Resin, holding plates and housings can be produced quickly. Customized to your product specifications, products are held securely without the static charge of the space or operator touch shorting the parts.

Start now with the Formlabs ESD Resin

ESD Resin is now available in our store and can be used for the Form 3/3B, Form3+/3B+ and Form3L/3BL. Do you have any questions about the new material? Contact us to test ESD Resin for your application.

Would you like to test ESD Resin yourself? Request our free, ESD-safe, 3d-printed multimeter probe holder for your electrical workbench. Test the surface resistance to check the ESD safety of the material.