Mechnano has developed another additive manufacturing (AM) resin based on its Mech^T technology that utilizes the power of discrete Carbon Nanotubes (dCNTs). The new photopolymer, known as Tough ESD, delivers isotropic electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties to parts fabricated with VAT Photopolymerization processes, while also providing enhanced impact resistance. Mechnano is releasing Tough ESD as a white-label resin to interested partners.

Tough ESD builds on Mechnano’s industry-disrupting Formula1 resin — the first static dissipative photopolymer in AM using dCNTs. While the original Formula1 is ideal for electronics manufacturing processes that require rigidity, Tough ESD is the answer for parts that will undergo a higher level of abuse where breakage would occur with more rigid solutions.

Tough ESD’s increased impact resistance and elongation at break open the door to new applications for AM—parts that require not only ESD and toughness but fine features and smooth surface finish, which are characteristics out of reach for current filament and laser sintering options. As these are addressed via expensive and time-consuming machining or mold tooling today, the ability to iterate, customize, and confirm design improvements in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost makes Tough ESD an excellent fit for many relevant applications including ESD tooling, assembly aids, enclosures, and nozzles.

Both Formula1 and Tough ESD allow for rapid customization, iteration, and fabrication of static dissipative parts without compromising mechanical performance and with zero concern for z-axis breakdown. Mechnano’s Mech^T-based resins enable accurate, repeatable, localized printing of ESD parts to help every industry create or incorporate electronic components in their products to reduce costs and decrease time to market.

“Our latest innovation builds on our original effort, unleashing dCNT potential in AM materials to achieve extraordinary performance,” says Bryce Keeler, Mechnano’s president. “Mech^T-enhanced resins expand, improve, and add material properties for a wide array of applications.”

“Additive manufacturing hardware and software continue to advance, so we are excited to offer additional material solutions that are compatible and to expand the scope of AM applications,” Keeler added.

Tough ESD is the latest offering in what promises to be an ever-expanding line of additive manufacturing masterbatches and resins that leverage the power of Mech^T to provide material enhancements.

‍