Resin for 3D Printer Ameralabs ESD-R-100 Black 1kg

AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 – Professional ESD engineering resin for advanced applications in the electronics industry

In the world of modern electronics, where miniaturisation and component sensitivity are reaching unprecedented levels, protection against uncontrolled electrostatic discharge (ESD) has become an absolute priority. AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 is a breakthrough photopolymer resin that redefines the standards of safety and precision in rapid prototyping and industrial tooling. Using state-of-the-art carbon nanotube technology, this material provides stable and repeatable charge dissipation properties, which is critical for protecting sensitive integrated circuits, hard drives and other electronic components. This resin is designed for engineers who need a material with high resolution, dimensional stability and exceptional thermal resistance, allowing it to operate in demanding production environments.

Innovative carbon nanotube technology and electrostatic safety

The key to the uniqueness of AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 resin is the integration of advanced carbon nanotubes into the polymer structure. These form a microscopic conductive network inside the finished print, which allows for the controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges from the surface of the model. The surface resistivity of the finished parts is within a constant range of 10^7 to 10^10 ohms/sq, which classifies this material as perfectly dissipative. Unlike carbon black-filled materials, nanotube technology provides better mechanical consistency and more predictable electrical parameters across the entire volume of the print, eliminating the risk of “hot spots” with excessively low resistance.

The use of this technology is of great importance in processes such as semi-con wafer handling or HDD component assembly, where even the smallest electrical impulse can cause irreversible damage to the silicon structure. With AmeraLabs ESD-R-100, you can produce your own safe trays, grippers and conveyor line components that completely eliminate the risk of static charge build-up during friction or contact with other insulating materials.

Exceptional thermal resistance and dimensional stability

One of the most impressive technical parameters of AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 is its high glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 160°C. Such a high thermal limit makes this material ideal for the production of soldering jigs and tools that are exposed to direct contact with hot air or components with high operating temperatures. Most standard 3D printing resins begin to soften or deform at 60-80°C, while ESD-R-100 retains its rigidity and structural integrity even under extreme laboratory conditions.

Dimensional stability is another feature that sets this product apart from the competition. The resin has low shrinkage during both the printing phase and final UV exposure (post-curing). As a result, the printed parts fit perfectly into the designed sockets and connectors, which is critical when building complex test mechanisms. In addition, the high hardness of 90 Shore D ensures that the edges remain sharp and the holes do not deform under mechanical pressure.

Chemical resistance and low moisture absorption

In industrial environments, tools often come into contact with various types of chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents. AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 is designed to withstand contact with aggressive substances, including certain acids. It is also fully resistant to isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is commonly used to clean prints and degrease electronic components.

A very important parameter, especially in terms of precision, is water absorption of less than 0.2%. Many technical resins tend to “swell” when exposed to moisture in the air, which changes the geometry of the tools over time. With ESD-R-100, you can be sure that once printed, the instrument will retain its dimensions for a long time, regardless of the conditions in the production hall or warehouse. The material is matt, almost completely opaque and comes in a professional black colour, which gives the parts an industrial look and facilitates visual inspection.

Typical industrial applications

AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 resin is used wherever traditional 3D printing materials fail due to lack of conductivity or low thermal resistance. The most common areas of use include:

• HDD components: Production of housing components, positioners and tools for hard drive assembly.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: Creation of trays, magazines and holders for the safe handling of silicon wafers (wafer handling).
• Soldering and assembly tools: Creation of stencils, wave soldering frames and PCB positioning holders.
• Enclosures and connectors: Prototyping and low-volume production of enclosures for sensors and electrical connectors requiring ESD protection.
• Transport systems: Components of dispensing lines, conveyors and measuring systems where the movement of parts generates electrostatic charges.

Instructions for printing and resin preparation

For best results and to ensure full ESD properties, the printing process should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations below. Please note that due to the content of carbon nanotubes, this resin has a slightly higher viscosity than standard materials.

1. Material preparation: The resin must be mixed thoroughly before each use. The most effective method, recommended by AmeraLabs, is to place the closed bottle in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with water for approximately 30 minutes before printing. This allows the conductive particles to disperse evenly throughout the liquid.

2. Ambient conditions: Ensure that the temperature in the room where the printer is operating is above 20°C. Too low a temperature can increase the viscosity of the resin, making it difficult to form precise layers and leading to printing errors.

3. Print settings: It is important to level the build platform precisely and use the appropriate attachment layers. The manufacturer recommends using slower lift speeds: 5 mm/min for bottom layers and 40 mm/min for normal layers. This allows the resin to flow smoothly under the platform and reduces mechanical stress. The recommended thickness of the support columns is 1.5-2 mm, and the thickness of the contact tip with the model should be between 0.2-0.6 mm. If possible, it is also worth hollowing out the models to reduce breaking forces.

Procedure for cleaning and washing prints

Proper cleaning of the printout from uncured resin residues is essential to achieve the declared hardness and non-stick surface. Due to the specific nature of ESD-R-100, this process takes slightly longer than with conventional resins.

If you are using automatic Wash and Cure equipment, immerse the printed object in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for 12 minutes. After completing the cycle, evaluate the results – if resin residue is still visible on the surface, repeat the process for another 6 minutes.

For manual cleaning, AmeraLabs suggests a 4-step procedure:

• Immerse the object in an IPA bath for 10 minutes.
• Actively agitate the bath (shake or swirl) for 1 minute.
• Leave the model stationary, fully submerged, for another 10 minutes (preferably in fresh IPA).
• Finally, actively agitate again for 1 minute.

You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner. In this case, place the model in a sealed container with IPA and place it in a cleaner filled with water for up to 10 minutes. Remember not to heat the water in the cleaner – the process should take place at room temperature.

Post-curing – final UV curing

The last but extremely important stage is the post-curing process. It is during this phase that the model achieves its final hardness and electrostatic properties. It is recommended to remove the supports before irradiation, although in the case of very complex geometries, leaving them in place may help to maintain the dimensional stability of the model.

The curing time depends on the power of your UV station and can range from 5 minutes to up to an hour. The process should be continued until the surface of the print is no longer sticky to the touch and becomes very difficult to scratch. Post-curing should take place immediately after the model has completely dried after being bathed in IPA.

Do not risk damaging your valuable electronics! Choose AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 and gain full control over the safety of your production processes. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the right settings and technology. Contact us today for a personalised commercial offer or professional technical support! Please note that we offer attractive discounts for business customers and scientific institutions for larger orders.

Questions and answers (Q&A) – Frequently asked questions

1. What exactly is the surface resistivity of ESD-R-100 resin?
It is a measure of a material’s ability to conduct electricity across its surface. For this resin, it ranges from 10^7 to 10^10 ohms/sq, which means that electrostatic charges are dissipated in a controlled manner that is safe for components.

2. Can I use this resin in typical office LCD printers?
Yes, AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 is compatible with most LCD and DLP printers using photopolymer technology, provided that the printing temperature is above 20°C.

3. Why do I need to mix the resin in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Due to the presence of carbon nanotubes, the resin requires intensive mixing to ensure that these particles are evenly distributed. Ultrasonic cleaning for 30 minutes provides much better homogenisation than shaking the bottle by hand.

4. Are ESD-R-100 prints suitable for direct contact with a soldering iron?
Thanks to its high glass transition temperature (Tg ~160°C), this material is ideal for creating positioning tools during soldering, as it does not deform quickly when exposed to heat.

5. What are the recommended print speeds for this material?
Due to its higher viscosity, slower lift speeds are recommended: 5 mm/min for the first layers and 40 mm/min for the rest of the print.

6. Does this resin have a strong odour?
No, AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 has a low odour level, which significantly improves working comfort in laboratories and workshops.

7. How long should the UV exposure process last after printing?
This time ranges from 5 minutes to 1 hour. The key indicator is when the surface of the model stops being sticky and becomes very hard.

8. Can I clean models in an ultrasonic cleaner with IPA?
Yes, this is the recommended method. Place the model in a closed container with IPA and then put it in a cleaner with water for no longer than 10 minutes.

9. Is ESD-R-100 resin available in other colours?
Currently, this resin is only available in black, due to the use of carbon nanotube technology for ESD protection.

10. What are the recommended support parameters for this resin?
The manufacturer recommends using supports with a column thickness of 1.5-2 mm and contact tips with a thickness of 0.2-0.6 mm to ensure stability for heavier prints.

With AmeraLabs ESD-R-100, every electronics manufacturing and assembly process becomes safer and more efficient. This material is designed for those who do not compromise on quality and reliability. We invite you to shop and contact our technical department for detailed instructions on optimising your designs for 3D printing with ESD technology. Every drop of this resin is the result of years of nanotechnology research, delivered directly to your machine park. Professionalism, durability and precision – these are the values that AmeraLabs ESD-R-100 brings to your daily engineering work. Don’t wait for electrostatic discharge to damage your prototypes – protect yourself now with proven solutions from the leaders in 3D printing.