Standard filaments like PLA and ABS still dominate the market, but professional users increasingly require materials that meet more specific industrial needs. One of these requirements is electrostatic discharge protection, often referred to as ESD safety. Electrostatic discharge may sound like a minor concern, but in electronics, laboratories, and cleanroom environments, even a small spark can damage sensitive circuits or contaminate delicate products. Recognizing this need, manufacturers have developed ESD-safe filaments, and one of the most promising concepts is eSUN ABS-ESD. By combining the well-known benefits of ABS with the protective properties of ESD materials, this filament represents an intersection of mechanical strength, printability, and safety.
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is already a staple material in engineering and 3D printing. Known for its toughness, impact resistance, and durability, it is widely used in automotive parts, consumer electronics eSUN abs-esd housings, and a variety of functional prototypes. Traditional ABS, however, does not prevent static buildup. This becomes a serious issue in settings where static discharge can destroy microchips, damage electronic components, or pose risks in environments with flammable materials. The development of ABS-ESD solves this problem by modifying the polymer with additives that dissipate static electricity in a controlled way. Instead of allowing charge to build and discharge unpredictably, the material gradually neutralizes it, keeping both the product and surrounding environment safe.
What makes eSUN ABS-ESD particularly interesting is the company’s strong reputation for creating affordable and reliable 3D printing filaments. eSUN has long produced ABS variants such as ABS+ and carbon fiber reinforced ABS, which improve printability, reduce warping, and enhance strength. An ABS-ESD variant represents a natural evolution of this product line, targeting professional users who want both durability and static safety. Unlike purely conductive plastics, which may interfere with certain applications, ABS-ESD offers controlled dissipation. This means it will not interfere with electronics in normal operation, but it will prevent harmful electrostatic discharges.
The science behind ABS-ESD involves integrating conductive or dissipative additives into the ABS polymer matrix. Common additives include carbon black, carbon fibers, or conductive polymers. These substances lower the surface resistivity of the filament to fall within the ESD-safe range. Importantly, the goal is not to make the material a conductor like metal, but rather to allow it to gently bleed away static charges without sudden discharges. This balance is what makes the material so valuable in industries that handle electronics and sensitive components.
From a physical standpoint, eSUN ABS-ESD would retain many of the qualities of regular ABS. Users could expect good toughness, dimensional stability, and the ability to create functional parts with long service lives. At the same time, the inclusion of conductive fillers may affect certain characteristics. The filament might be slightly more brittle compared to pure ABS, and print settings may need adjustments to achieve optimal results. For example, nozzle temperature, bed temperature, and print speed must often be fine-tuned when working with specialty composites.
