BYRON CENTER, MI, Oct 20, 2014 – 3DXTech.com has introduced two new grades of ESD-safe materials developed specifically for use in desktop 3D Printers. 3DXNano ESD filaments are made from engineering-grade polymers and incorporate multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to achieve a highly consistent ESD-level of surface resistivity. CNTs assure a consistent level of ESD performance, an optimal balance of mechanical properties, durability, and low particulate contamination.

“Our 3DXNano ESD products will work in practically any desktop 3D printer with a heated build platform,” says Matt Howlett, president of 3DXTech. “We chose ABS and PETG polymers for these compounds, both of which are very familiar to the 3D printing community. ABS is suitable for the majority of applications in this space, whereas PETG is chosen where improved chemical resistance is needed. Conformal coating mask jigs are a perfect example of how these materials enable our customers to solve difficult problems.”

Palmer Design & Manufacturing, chose 3DXNano ESD ABS and PETG filaments to make custom conformal coating masks to protect critical components of the printed circuit boards (PCBs) during the coating process.

“3D printed masks allow us to improve quality, increase efficiency, and can be printed ESD-safe with great flexibility of design. So even small companies with small board runs can benefit with professional masking products,” says Andrew Palmer, president of Palmer Design & Manufacturing, LTD. “The 3DXTech materials are ideally suited for printing ESD-safe parts. We typically print with their ESD ABS grade unless the customer is using a solvent-based conformal coating – then the PETG grade is more suitable. Before we started 3D printing these parts, our customers often used masking tape or CNC machined masks. Masking tapes are slow and imprecise – often leading to quality issues from incorrect masking. CNC machined masks are expensive compared to our 3D printed parts, so no, smaller customers can afford our 3D printed parts and have a custom-fit solution for their specific needs.”

Benefits of 3D Printing Conformal Coating Mask Jigs from 3DXNano ESD filaments include:

• 3D printing is deal for low-to-medium volume applications where custom configurations are often needed
• Low investment in manufacturing equipment: highly functional desktop printers are now available for under $3,000 (USD)
• Fast turn-around time – most parts can be designed and printed within hours
• Two grades available – 3DXNano ESD ABS is suitable for water-based coatings while 3DXNano ESD PETG has improved chemical resistance and is often chosen for solvent-based coatings
• 3DXNano ESD products offer consistent ESD levels from part-to-part and lot-to-lot while resulting in exceptionally low particulate contamination.

About 3DXTech

3DXTech is Michigan-based company focused on creating innovative materials for the 3D Printing industry. New products are vetted for processability, printability, and functionality before being released for commercial sale. 3DXTech offers a wide array of materials that are ideal for both the hobbyists and manufacturing markets. The company is investing heavily into R&D to create next-generation materials focused on improvements in key areas such as mechanical, chemical, thermal, and dimensional stability. Learn more at http://www.3dxtech.com.