Anti-Static (ESD) Filament

ESD filament for makers and engineers printing PCB jigs, component trays, test fixtures and enclosures that sit near static sensitive electronics, available as tough PETG-ESD or heat resistant ABS-ESD in 1.75mm black.

What ESD filament does

Most plastics are insulators, so static charge can build up on a printed part and discharge into a circuit board or chip the moment it makes contact. ESD filament contains conductive additives that let that charge bleed away gradually instead of sitting on the surface. Our PETG-ESD, for example, uses additives such as carbon nanotubes.

The key limit: anti-static filament is static dissipative, not a conductor. It is not a replacement for wires, printed circuit traces or proper grounding, and it should never be used to carry current.

PETG-ESD vs ABS-ESD

Feature	PETG-ESD	ABS-ESD
Nozzle / bed	See the product page	220-240°C / 100-120°C (230°C / 110°C recommended)
Speed	See the product page	40-60mm/s (50mm/s recommended)
HDT	See the product page	98°C
Tensile strength	See the product page	35-37 MPa
Drying	See the product page	70°C for at least 5 hours
Hardened nozzle	Recommended, abrasive additive	See the product page
Printer setup	Prints reliably with PETG settings	Enclosed printer strongly recommended
Data sheet	Full specifications to come, new release	Downloadable data sheet

Pick PETG-ESD if you already print PETG and want anti-static parts with improved toughness over standard PETG, without changing your workflow. Pick ABS-ESD when parts sit near warm electronics, since its HDT is 98°C, and you have an enclosed printer to run it in. Both are sold in black only.

ESD safe 3D printing: common uses

PCB jigs and test fixtures: nests that hold boards steady for programming, testing and rework.
Component trays: bench organisers for loose chips, sensors and modules.
Assembly fixtures and tooling: alignment guides and holders used on production lines.
Enclosures and sensor housings: covers for boards that are handled often, where ABS-ESD's 98°C HDT is useful.

Printed parts for critical ESD work should always be tested with a suitable resistance meter to confirm they meet the standard your workplace requires. Keep using wrist straps, mats and grounded benches as normal: a printed tray adds protection, it does not replace an ESD program.

Printing tips for anti-static filament

Protect the nozzle and feeder

Because PETG-ESD's additive is abrasive, run it through a hardened nozzle, and consider manual loading or an AMS bypass to reduce long term feeder wear. Our comparison of ruby, tungsten and steel nozzles helps you choose one. ABS-ESD may be used with a compatible AMS when the spool fits and the printer supports ABS, although manual loading may be preferred for demanding technical prints.

Keep extrusion consistent

Uneven extrusion makes uneven parts. Calibrate flow, avoid under extrusion, give parts enough walls for a solid shell and feed dry filament so the whole print behaves the same way.

Dry to the data, not beyond it

ABS-ESD dries at 70°C for at least 5 hours, lower than the 80°C used for our other ABS grades, so do not reuse a standard ABS dryer preset. PETG-ESD drying figures are not yet in our data, so check the product page first. Our filament storage and drying guide covers the basics. As with any ABS, print ABS-ESD in a well ventilated room.

Buying ESD filament from OzFDM

Both anti-static rolls are 1kg, so they count toward volume pricing when mixed with our PETG, ABS or other filament: 5% off 3 or more rolls, 10% off 6 or more, 15% off 12 or more, and 20% off a full carton of 12 in one colour and material. Electronics businesses, schools and labs that buy regularly can apply for a trade account.

ESD filament FAQs

Can I use ESD filament to print circuits or wires?

No. ESD filament is designed to dissipate static slowly and safely, not to conduct electricity like a wire. It is the right choice for trays, jigs and housings that sit near electronics, but it should never be used for circuit traces, contacts or anything that carries current. Use properly rated wire and connectors for the electrical side of a project.

Should I choose PETG-ESD or ABS-ESD?

Choose PETG-ESD if you print PETG already and want tough anti-static parts using familiar settings. Choose ABS-ESD if your parts sit near heat, since it has a heat deflection temperature of 98°C, and you have an enclosed printer. PETG-ESD is a new release and its full technical specifications are still to be published, so check the product page for current figures.

Do I need a hardened nozzle for anti-static filament?

For PETG-ESD, yes. Its conductive additive is abrasive, and our product data recommends a hardened nozzle to avoid wearing out a brass one. Manual loading or an AMS bypass can also reduce feeder wear over time. For ABS-ESD, our data does not state a nozzle requirement, so check the product page and data sheet before your first print.

How do I know my printed part is ESD safe?

Test it. Results depend on how the part was printed, including flow, wall count and layer bonding, so the filament alone cannot promise a compliant part. Our ABS-ESD data states that parts for critical ESD applications should always be tested to confirm they meet the required resistance standard. Measure with a suitable meter at the surfaces that will contact components.

Why does ESD filament only come in black?

In PETG-ESD, the static dissipative additives are carbon based, which naturally produces a deep matte black. ABS-ESD is also made exclusively in black. Black gives a clean, uniform look that suits electronics benches, workshop fixtures and industrial parts, where consistent performance matters far more than colour choice.