3D Printing Wear-Resistant Components With ESD Properties
Every machine contains moving parts that cause friction. In contrast to metal, components made of wear-resistant iglide® plastics do not have to be lubricated since solid lubricants are embedded into the materials. However, polymers cannot dissipate the electrostatic discharge (ESD) caused by friction. In semiconductor and electrical engineering, a static discharge through components can lead to permanent damage to the product, even if the discharge cannot be felt by humans. In order to protect these components permanently from irreversible damage, a controlled discharge is necessary. Materials with defined surface resistances that are neither insulating nor conductive, i.e. antistatic or static dissipative, must be used.
With iglide® I8-ESD, igus is launching an SLS material that enables the additive manufacturing of prototypes, series parts and spare parts with ESD properties. In addition to cable carriers, bearings and semi-finished products with antistatic properties, customers can now also purchase quickly manufactured ESD plastic components as individual items or in series.
What are the characteristics of an ESD material?
The friction between two insulating materials causes ESD. We encounter this physical phenomenon in everyday life - for example, when lightning strikes during a thunderstorm, when we touch door handles or when walking over carpets with plastic shoes. The surface resistance for the ESD area must therefore be less than 1012 and greater than 106 Ohm; otherwise, the material is considered to be insulating or conductive. In most of the material data sheets, the electrical properties are specified by the characteristic values ??spec, volume resistance (Ωxcm) and/or specified as surface resistance (Ω). [Source: Technical article: ESD - the invisible danger , ELV Journal 04/2010, Matthias Schmidt ]The material properties of iglide® I8-ESD
The new laser sintering material iglide® I8-ESD was specially developed for applications in which the dissipative electrical material properties are to protect sensitive electronic components. In addition to the static conductivity, iglide® I8-ESD has a high abrasion resistance compared to a standard PA12 laser-sintered material, making it ideal for all applications in which electrostatic charges have to be avoided. Here are the outstanding properties at a glance:- External lubricant and maintenance-free
- High abrasion resistance
- Electrostatic dissipative (ESD)
- Color: black (throughout)
- Increased rigidity
- Available as SLS powder or a 3D-printed component in 1-3 business days