ABS-ESD7 is a new material engineered by Stratasys Inc, Eden Prairie, MN, for prototyping and producing parts for electronic products. For use in Fortus additive manufacturing systems, the material has static dissipative properties for applications where a static charge can damage products, impair performance, or cause an explosion. Unlike most thermoplastics, the material prevents a buildup of static electricity, so it can’t produce a static shock. The ESD material also eliminates the attraction and buildup of particulate, such as dust or powders, which can degrade product performance.

 ABS-ESD7 is beneficial when designing products that avoid attracting atomized liquid, such as medicine inhalers, which must deliver the entire drug dose to the patient and not leave mist clinging to inhaler’s internal surfaces. Other primary applications include carriers and organizers for electrical components; fixtures for electronic component assembly; and production line and conveyor parts. Additional applications include product design and validation for electronic product enclosures; electronics packaging material; and powder or mist conveying or dispensing.