Evaluation of Additively Manufactured Electrostatic Discharge Materials

Advancements in additive manufacturing has enabled new engineering materials including those with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties. ESD properties are required for sensitive electrical equipment as well as with the storage of flammable and explosive materials. This paper investigates the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of a ESD resin which can be utilized with the Stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing technique. The paper contains data on the dielectric strength, volume and surface resistivity, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Variation in dielectric strength, surface and volume resistivity were observed based on the printing orientation of the sample. Commentary is also provided on how the SLA ESD resin could be utilized to fabricate custom ESD compliant signal feedthroughs.