ALM releases PA 830-ESD12 for SLS 3D printing in semiconductors and electronics  

Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), a wholly-owned EOS subsidiary and a leader in materials development for industrial 3D printing/additive manufacturing, is introducing PA 830-ESD12, a newly developed material for applications requiring electrostatic discharge (ESD) capabilities. Possible applications include electronic products and assembly fixtures for semiconductors.

The material, PA 830-ESD12, is a nylon 11 powder without carbon fiber. In fact, PA 830-ESD12 is one of the first electrostatically dissipative materials without carbon fiber. It produces parts with a good surface finish and is easy to machine. As the first ESD material in ALM’s portfolio, this material eliminates static in delicate applications where an overcharge of electricity could interfere in operations.

“Many of our customers have been seeking an SLS material that delivers the quality and safety needed for electrostatic discharge applications,” said Donald Vanelli, President at ALM. “We’ve created a material that allows for quick scalability while ensuring parts are completed with a perfect finish and stay easy to machine.”

Offering electrostatic discharge capable materials represent a broadening of ALM’s portfolio for markets that deal in sensitive electronics, like the automotive industry. Unlike traditional industrial applications, ESD capable materials are often a key consideration for engineers and used in applications that require no ambient static around sensitive fixtures.

The nylon 11 powder is also available through RPS, a United Kingdom-based industrial 3D printing company specializing in printers, materials and software. Since October 2010 RPS has been a material distributor-partner of ALM. The material is currently available for most laser SLS systems present in the market today.