PETG-ESD · CNT-loaded ESD-dissipative PETG · for electronics-bench tooling.

PETG base polymer + carbon-nanotube (CNT) reinforcement · surface resistivity in the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative band (~10⁵ Ω/sq) at 3DPE-calibrated 270°C nozzle. Room-temperature ESD service · lower-cost alternative to PA612-ESD when continuous service stays below 65°C.

Reviewed by the 3D Printing Express engineering team.

PETG-ESD safe 3D printing service · UK · quoted in 6 hours.

ESD-dissipative without the high-temperature engineering polymer · CNT-reinforced PETG, calibrated print path.

Macro photo of a 3D-printed black PETG-ESD part (ESD-dissipative) with a uniform semi-matte black finish and visible layer lines on a clean electronics bench
Process · FDM
This page covers FDM PETG-ESD · the room-temperature ESD-dissipative PETG for PCB jigs, electronics handling, and anti-static bench tooling. If you need plain non-ESD PETG (PETG), high-temperature ESD service (PA612-ESD), or conductive plain PETG fixtures (PETG base), send your brief and we'll match the right material.
The short version

PETG-ESD · the short version

Got 1 minute

The quick version.

Great for
  • Static-safe electronics tooling.Carbon-nanotube-loaded to dissipate static, for PCB jigs, trays and bench fixtures around sensitive electronics.
  • Affordable ESD.A fraction of the cost of engineering ESD nylons, and printable without a heated chamber.
  • Room-temperature ESD work.Dependable anti-static performance for benchtop service up to around 65°C.
! Worth knowing
  • Room-temperature only.Softens above ~65°C, so it's not for warm-service ESD. Need hot ESD? See PA612-ESD.
  • Matt black only, hardened nozzle.The conductive loading is intrinsically black and abrasive, so we print it on hardened nozzles. Not for food contact.
Not sure PETG-ESD is right for your part? Send your brief → and we'll match the right material.
Got 5 minutes

How PETG-ESD behaves, visually.

Four quick visuals. Start with which material to pick and where PETG-ESD works; the engineering detail is at the end if you want it.

Which to pick

When PETG-ESD, and when to switch.

Pick PETG

Water-contact · electronics-fixture-grade prototype · moderate outdoor (6-12 months) · ductile enclosures · signage

Pick another

Cosmetic-only = PLA · impact / heat = ABS · multi-year outdoor = ASA · engineering = PA12-CF

Where it works

Room-temperature ESD, to ~65°C.

  • Indoor room temp
  • Engine bay / radiator
  • Hot-water contact < 60°C
  • Steam autoclave 121°C
  • UK summer outdoor (months)
  • Sustained > 70°C service
The chemistry

Carbon nanotubes that bleed off static.

A fraction of the ethylene glycol monomer is replaced with cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), which breaks the crystal symmetry. Plus carbon nanotubes (CNT) percolated through the matrix · this is what creates the conductive network for ESD dissipation. The result: same printable PETG with ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative-class static control.

For engineers
Mechanical character

PETG strength, with an ESD surface.

PETG-ESD yields at 7.3% strain (more give than PLA's 6.3%, less than plain PETG's 8.4%). Notched Charpy 5.7 kJ/m² · 2× plain PETG (2.6) thanks to CNT toughening. For raw toughness: ABS at 18.0 kJ/m² remains higher.

What clients say about our UK 3D printing service on Google

4.9 based on 36 Google reviews
Read all 36 on Google →
Jonny Higgs
· 2 months ago · via Google

"James handled the 3D printing for a functional heat resistant component we needed in batch production. He helped dial in the prototype first with their design service, then produced the final batch with really consistent results. Super fast 3D print turnaround and great quality across all the 3D printed parts. Will 100% be coming back."

Matt Shutler
· 8 months ago · via Google

"We needed a sit-in F1-car for an exhibition to showcase our new racing game. 3D Printing Express took our CAD, optimised it for strength and weight as we had no idea how it all worked! Turned out beautifully. They colour matched the finish and was looking like the real deal. On show day the cockpit ran non-stop, adults and kids jumped in. Multiple visitors asked who built it."

Kayleigh Adams
· 7 months ago · via Google

"We ordered a batch of 100 PA-12 parts from 3D Printing Express and could not be happier. Every part arrived consistent, dimensionally accurate, and ready for use straight from the box. The PA-12 gave us the strength and stability we needed for functional testing, with minimal post-processing required. Delivery was on time, communication was excellent, and their QC clearly made a difference."

Extreme macro of a 3D-printed black PETG-ESD part surface showing fine layer lines and a uniform semi-matte black finish
The four numbers worth knowing

The short answer before the spec sheet.

Surface resistivity
~10⁵ Ω/sq

At our calibrated 270°C nozzle · squarely within the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative band (10⁴ to <10¹¹ Ω/sq). Plain PETG sits at ~10¹⁴ Ω/sq · firmly insulative.

ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 · two-point probe, 50% RH
Charpy impact · notched
5.7kJ/m²

Roughly 2× plain PETG's 2.6 kJ/m² · the CNT loading toughens the matrix as well as making it ESD-dissipative.

ISO 179 · notched, room temperature
HDT · 1.8 MPa
72°C

Tg 77°C. Sustained service caps at ~65°C ambient. For warm-service ESD fixtures (under-bonnet, near soldering equipment) specify PA612-ESD at 110°C continuous.

ISO 75 · 76°C @ 0.45 MPa, 72°C @ 1.8 MPa
Tensile strength · XY
36.1MPa

Equivalent to plain PETG (38.6 MPa XY) · CNT loading toughens without compromising tensile. Stiffness identical (Young's 1983 MPa).

ISO 527 · 36.1 ± 0.9 MPa XY
A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD PCB jig with a green circuit board located in it
Perfect for

Where PETG-ESD is the right call.

PETG-ESD earns its place when a part needs to be in the ESD-dissipative band at room temperature · the cost-effective option when PA612-ESD's 110°C service overkills the spec.

Honest limits

Where PETG-ESD is the wrong call.

PETG-ESD's strengths are room-temperature ESD service at commodity cost · its weaknesses are anything above 65°C, food-contact, and applications where the dissipative-class band isn't the right band. Pick a different material if any of these apply.

What people actually print in this

Four worlds that order PETG-ESD by name.

A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD PCB assembly locating jig holding a green circuit board
Electronics manufacturing · contract assembly

PCB locating jigs, IC trays, BGA carriers, reflow holders

Bench fixtures that hold boards during SMD placement, through-hole soldering, rework, or reflow. The dissipative band (~10⁵ Ω/sq) bleeds operator and tool static to ground before it reaches sensitive components. We measure resistivity per batch for audited supply chains.

A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD bench-tooling organiser with tip rests and tool grips
Workshop · rework · production lines

Tip-rest cradles, tool grips, parts trays, organisers

ESD-safe versions of standard bench tooling · soldering-iron tip cradles (off the hot tip, 65°C ambient ceiling), tweezers handles, screw and resistor sorting trays, component drawers. The matt-black colour acts as a visual signal: black tooling = ESD-safe.

A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD anti-static workstation accessory
Audited assembly · cleanroom-adjacent

Anti-static clipboards, document holders, label trays

Paperwork accessories that live next to sensitive boards. Plain plastic clipboards generate charge on contact and discharge across the next conductive surface (often a PCB) · PETG-ESD bleeds the charge off through the fixture rather than the part. Common in audited assembly lines.

A neat row of black 3D-printed PETG-ESD small-batch production parts
UK contract manufacturing · small-series production

Production-line ESD fixtures, 10-200 unit runs

When the run is too small to justify injection-moulded ESD tooling (5,000+ units to break even), PETG-ESD lets a UK shop turn a custom dissipative jig in days at commodity filament cost. Pair with a resistivity certificate per batch for audit-ready supply.

A stack of black ESD PETG filament spools on a shelf
Decision helper

PETG-ESD vs plain PETG vs PA612-ESD · which to pick.

The three options most engineers compare when picking an ESD-class material. Plain PETG is firmly insulative · electronics-touching parts hold static. PA612-ESD covers warm-service (110°C continuous) but doubles the filament cost. PETG-ESD is the room-temperature commodity option · dissipative band at our calibrated 270°C nozzle, ~£40-55/kg.

PETG-ESD vs plain PETG vs PA612-ESD · headline metric comparison PETG-ESD (here) Plain PETG PA612-ESD ★ winner SURFACE RESISTIVITY · log Ω/sq · dissipative = 4-11 DISSIPATIVE BAND 0 8 16PETG-ESD 10⁵ ★ Plain PETG 10¹⁴ PA612-ESD 10⁵ ★HEAT DEFLECTION · HDT @ 1.8 MPa · °C 0 65 130PETG-ESD 72 Plain PETG 72 PA612-ESD 110 ★CHARPY IMPACT · NOTCHED XY · kJ/m² 0 7.5 15PETG-ESD 5.7 Plain PETG 2.6 PA612-ESD 8.5 ★TENSILE STRENGTH XY · MPa 0 40 80PETG-ESD 36.1 Plain PETG 38.6 PA612-ESD 58.0 ★COST PER KG OF FILAMENT · £ · lower = lower-cost 0 75 150 £/kgPETG-ESD £40-55 Plain PETG £25-35 ★ PA612-ESD £90-130

Mechanical values from manufacturer Technical Data Sheets · ISO test specimens (ISO 527 tensile, ISO 75 HDT, ISO 179 Charpy notched). Surface resistivity per ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 two-point-probe method, 50% RH. PETG-ESD's wedge is room-temperature dissipative-class ESD at ~half the filament cost of PA612-ESD · with the trade that service temperature caps at ~65°C ambient.

PropertyPETG-ESD (here)Plain PETGPA612-ESD
Surface resistivity~10⁵ Ω/sq · dissipative~10¹⁴ Ω/sq · insulative~10⁵ Ω/sq · dissipative
ESD class (ANSI/ESD S20.20)DissipativeInsulativeDissipative
Service temperature (ambient)~65°C continuous~65°C continuous~110°C continuous
HDT @ 1.8 MPa72°C72°C110°C
Charpy notched impact5.7 kJ/m²2.6 kJ/m²8.5 kJ/m²
Tensile strength XY36.1 MPa38.6 MPa58.0 MPa
Stiffness (Young's modulus XY)1983 MPa1983 MPa2400 MPa
Available coloursMatt black only (CNT)Wide rangeMatt black only
Nozzle requirementHardened steel · CNT abrasiveBrass acceptableHardened steel · CNT abrasive
Print pathStandard FDM · any 250°C+ hotend, no chamberStandard FDM · easyEngineering · 280°C+ hotend, heated chamber preferred
Food-contact certificationNo · CNT additive disqualifiesYes (plain grades)No · CNT additive disqualifies
Cost per kg (filament)£40-55£25-35£90-130
Best forRoom-temperature ESD fixtures · PCB jigs · bench tooling · 10-200 unit small-batch ESDNon-ESD enclosures, water-contact, signage, food-contact prototypesWarm-service ESD · under-bonnet fixtures · near-equipment jigs above 65°C
If your part stays at room temperature and the spec calls for dissipative-band static control, PETG-ESD is the right column. Step up to PA612-ESD if service runs warm; drop back to plain PETG if no ESD requirement exists. Send your brief and we'll confirm the right grade.
Three identical black 3D-printed ESD jigs on a grey bench
How we print it

Recommended print environment for PETG-ESD.

A single black 3D-printed PETG-ESD locating fixture
From brief to dispatch

Our process · How a PETG-ESD order moves through our workshop.

01

Brief

File or sketch in. Tell us service temperature, whether resistivity certification is needed, and batch size.

02

Quote

Reviewed inside 24 hours · per-unit cost + resistivity-certification line item if requested.

03

DFM check

Single-piece print path locked where possible (bonded joints break ESD continuity), wall thickness and overhang flagged before print.

04

Dry & print

Filament dried at 65°C for 3 hours (mandatory) · calibrated 270°C nozzle on hardened-steel hotend · landing in the dissipative band.

05

Finish & verify

Support removal, deburr to spec. For audited supply: two-point-probe resistivity check at 10V / 50% RH and certificate of resistivity included.

06

Dispatch

Tracked UK courier, tracking number sent the moment it leaves.

Typical lead times · PETG-ESD
1-off prototype jig
3 to 5 working days
Quote inside 24h · drying adds 3h · no chamber required, prints alongside commodity work
Batch of 10
5 to 7 working days
Multi-part bed packing · resistivity sample reading per run included
Batch of 100
8 to 12 working days
Splits across hardened-nozzle printers · per-batch resistivity certificate available on request
Rush turnaround
48 to 72h, on request
3h drying is the floor · realistic for small jigs when filament is already conditioned · ask before quoting

Lead times start when CAD is signed off · ESD certification adds ~half a day for the measurement and certificate. Single-piece print designs ship faster than bonded multi-part assemblies (which we generally redesign to avoid ESD-continuity gaps).

Case study
PCB locating jigAudited assembly batch
Electronics manufacturing · ESD-certified

PCB locating-jig batch · audited assembly line, PETG-ESD.

Batch of bench fixtures for an audited contract-manufacturing line. Each jig holds a populated PCB during through-hole soldering and inspection · had to land within the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative band with a measured resistivity certificate per batch. Printed at our calibrated 270°C nozzle on hardened-steel hotends, two-point-probe verification at 10V / 50% RH on every batch. Resistivity reading across the run: 8.4 × 10⁴ to 2.7 × 10⁵ Ω/sq · all within the dissipative class. Single-piece prints (no bonded joints) to preserve ESD continuity.

Material: PETG-ESD · matt black, 270°C nozzle profile QC: Resistivity certificate per batch Read the full case study →
A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD workstation organiser
Material science · why it behaves the way it does

What PETG-ESD actually is · and why the 270°C nozzle matters.

Definition

PETG-ESD is glycol-modified PETG loaded with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at roughly 3-5% by weight, engineered to dissipate static charge. The nanotubes form a percolation network across the polymer matrix · electrons hop from CNT to CNT, carrying charge across (and to ground from) the part surface. Measured surface resistivity at our calibrated 270°C nozzle: ~10⁵ Ω/sq · squarely in the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative band (10⁴ to <10¹¹ Ω/sq). Below 250°C the network is patchy and reads insulative; above 290°C it over-percolates conductive. Mechanical properties roughly equivalent to plain PETG (36.1 MPa XY tensile, 1983 MPa Young's, HDT 72°C @ 1.8 MPa) with ~2× notched Charpy uplift from the CNT loading. Matt black only · CNT loading is intrinsically black. Not food-contact certified.

"PETG-ESD is the room-temperature ESD-safe filament I reach for when the brief is a PCB jig, a tip-rest cradle, or a small-batch fixture for an audited assembly line. The catch is the print path · the carbon nanotubes are abrasive (we run hardened-steel nozzles, swapped out before they score) and the dissipative band only holds at a tightly-calibrated 270°C. Print PETG-ESD at the generic 240°C profile on a stock brass nozzle and you get a part that's labelled ESD but doesn't measure ESD. The calibration is what we're actually selling."

· 3D Printing Express engineering team · UK workshop

Three questions worth answering before specifying PETG-ESD · how the percolation network actually carries charge, why the 270°C calibration is the load-bearing variable, and where the 65°C service ceiling really matters.

PET-bottle heritage

Same chemistry as a water bottle · with CHDM added so it prints

Base PET is the most-produced thermoplastic on Earth · food bottles, packaging, polyester fibre. Glycol modification (CHDM replaces some ethylene glycol) breaks the crystal symmetry, prevents crystallisation, and makes PET 3D-printable on FDM without the warping of crystalline PET.

Moisture behaviour

Hygroscopic · 0.41% equilibrium, drying mandatory

PETG absorbs water from humid air, saturating at ~0.41% per the manufacturer TDS. Wet PETG prints stringy, milky, brittle. The fix is straightforward · pre-print drying at 65°C for 3 hours (manufacturer setting). We do this on every spool before the bed.

Glass transition

Below 77°C · rigid · above · rubbery

Below Tg, polymer chains are frozen in the amorphous network. Above Tg, chains gain mobility · stiffness collapses and any residual stress relaxes. HDT 72°C at 1.8 MPa is the practical load-bearing ceiling. PLA Tg 61°C, ABS Tg 101°C (TDS V5.4).

How does the CNT percolation network actually dissipate static?

Plain PETG is an insulator · its glycol-modified PET backbone has no free charge carriers, so a static charge picked up by the part surface stays there until it finds a path to ground (often through whatever sensitive component is nearby). PETG-ESD breaks this by dispersing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at roughly 3-5% loading throughout the polymer matrix. Once the loading exceeds the percolation threshold (typically 1-3% for high-aspect-ratio MWCNTs), enough CNTs physically touch end-to-end across the matrix to form a continuous conductive network · electrons hop from CNT to CNT, carrying charge across the part surface and to ground if it's earthed.

The measurable result is surface resistivity in the 10⁴-10⁸ Ω/sq range · what ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 calls the "dissipative" class. This is the right band for general electronics-bench tooling: high enough to limit current (no fast-discharge spikes that fry components) but low enough to bleed static charge away over milliseconds rather than holding it. For applications that need active grounding paths through the part (high-voltage discharge, EMI shielding) specify a "conductive" grade at <10⁴ Ω/sq · these need higher CNT loading and trade mechanical properties for it.

Why does the 270°C nozzle calibration matter so much?

The percolation network only delivers dissipative-band resistivity if the CNTs are dispersed in roughly the right state · neither clumped nor over-spread. Nozzle temperature controls polymer viscosity at extrusion, which controls how shear and thermal forces redistribute the CNT clusters during print. At 250°C the polymer is too viscous · CNT aggregates persist through the nozzle and the print path shows patchy conductivity (large pockets read insulative). At 290°C the polymer flows too freely · CNT clusters break apart further than ideal, the network over-percolates, and resistivity drops below the dissipative class into the conductive band (which is wrong for ESD-bench applications · it can sink high-current discharges directly into the protected component).

270°C is the sweet spot we've calibrated in-house against two-point-probe resistivity measurements (10V, 50% RH). Stick to that profile, run hardened-steel nozzles (CNTs are abrasive · brass scores within hundreds of grams), and the part lands in the dissipative band reliably. Hand a PETG-ESD spool to a maker running a generic PETG profile at 240°C through brass on a Bambu / Prusa / Ender, and the parts will look ESD-safe but won't measure ESD-safe · this is the failure mode we see when audited-line customers come to us after a DIY trial.

What happens above the 65°C service ceiling?

PETG-ESD inherits its thermal limits from the underlying glycol-modified PET · glass transition (Tg) sits at 77°C, HDT 76°C at 0.45 MPa and 72°C at 1.8 MPa, Vicat softening at 86°C. Below Tg the polymer chains are locked in the amorphous network and the CNT network is geometrically stable. Above Tg, the polymer softens · chains gain mobility and any residual stress relaxes into creep. The CNT network doesn't immediately fail · the geometry just deforms with the matrix, so a sagging jig still measures dissipative · but the part is mechanically useless.

Practical sustained service caps at ~65°C ambient · safe for general workshop and electronics-assembly use, wrong for any fixture that sits next to a hot soldering iron, in a reflow oven preheat zone, or under-bonnet. For warm-service ESD applications step up to PA612-ESD (Tg ~110°C, continuous service to 110°C). For room-temperature applications · the vast majority of electronics-bench tooling · PETG-ESD covers the spec at less than half the filament cost.

A 3D-printed black PETG-ESD bench organiser holding small tools
Full material spec · ISO-referenced

Every number an engineer needs, in one table.

Values measured to the ISO standards cited in the right-hand column, on the manufacturer's own injection-moulded test specimens · directly comparable to other engineering thermoplastics.

PropertyXY · print planeZ · build axisUnitStandard
Mechanical
Tensile strength36.120.7MPaISO 527
Young's modulus19831626MPaISO 527
Elongation at break7.31.8%ISO 527
Flexural strength (XY)54.0MPaISO 178
Flexural modulus (XY)1651MPaISO 178
Charpy impact (notched, XY)5.7kJ/m²ISO 179
Thermal
Heat deflection (HDT @ 0.45 MPa)76°CISO 75
Heat deflection (HDT @ 1.8 MPa)72°CISO 75
Glass transition temperature (Tg)77°CDSC, 10°C/min
Vicat softening temperature86°CISO 306
Physical
Density1.24g/cm³ @ 23°CISO 1183
Equilibrium water absorption0.41%manufacturer test
Melt index14g/10min280°C, 5kg
Surface resistivity @ 270°C nozzle~10^5 (dissipative · ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021)Ω/sqring-probe (TDS V1.1)
Tensile anisotropy ratio1.74×XY/Zderived from ISO 527
Chemical resistance · manufacturer-rated
Weak acidsGood·manufacturer TDS
Strong acidsPoor·manufacturer TDS
Weak alkalisFair·manufacturer TDS
Strong alkalisPoor·manufacturer TDS
Oils and greaseGood·manufacturer TDS
Cosmetic / supply
Stock colour rangeBlack only (CNT loading)·workshop stock
Custom RAL matchYes (1-2 day procurement)·on request
Finish grades availableGlossy as-printed, sanded, painted, translucent·workshop stock
ESD classificationDissipative at 3DPE-calibrated 270°C nozzle·ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021
Values from manufacturer-published ISO test specimens · directly comparable to other commodity thermoplastics Request full TDS by email →
Design for additive manufacturing

How to design a part that prints right · and measures dissipative · in PETG-ESD.

Orientation

Mild anisotropy · favour XY load paths but less critical than engineering composites

PETG-ESD's anisotropy is moderate (1.74× XY/Z · 36.1/20.7 MPa per TDS V1.1) · slightly higher than plain PETG (~1.19×) because the CNT loading raises XY/Z spread. For load-bearing parts, favour XY-direction load paths.

Wall thickness

Thicker walls survive impact · PETG's ductility helps but doesn't replace mass

PETG-ESD's elongation (7.3%) still handles thin-wall impact better than PLA (6.3%), but layer-line geometry still dominates. The values shown follow the Hubs / Protolabs Network FDM minimums (0.8 mm supported, 2.0 mm minimum feature) · we DFM-check the wall thickness against your part's load case at quote stage.

Overhang behaviour

PETG bridges well · good hot-state stickiness lets long bridges hold

45° is the slicer-default support threshold across every major FDM tool · PETG's slower cooling and stickier hot state typically holds long bridges (5 mm+ at print temperature) better than PLA. Exact threshold depends on cooling, geometry, and surface-finish tolerance · we DFM-check overhangs at quote stage and recommend orientation.

Tolerance

Mid-range FDM tolerance · less precise than PLA, more predictable than ABS

PETG's amorphous structure means no crystallisation shrinkage on cooling (good) but the lower stiffness means slightly more deflection during finishing (modest). Exact tolerance depends on part size, geometry, and calibration · we confirm achievable tolerance against your CAD at quote stage.

A neat tray of identical black 3D-printed PETG-ESD parts
Post-processing

Four routes to a finished surface.

Sanding · 240 → 400 → 800

Removes layer lines · matte finish

Removes 0.1-0.3 mm per surface · pre-paint prep or stand-alone hand-feel polish.

Resistivity verification · per batch

Two-point probe at 10V / 50% RH · certificate of resistivity available

For audited supply chains we measure surface resistivity per print run · two-point probe at 10V on the part surface, room-temperature, 50% relative humidity. Reading must fall between 10⁴ and 10¹¹ Ω/sq for the dissipative class. Certificate-of-resistivity line item available on the quote.

2K spray paint · RAL match

Glass-smooth · any colour from any RAL chart

PETG takes paint with adhesion-promoting primer (PETG resists direct paint adhesion more than PLA). Adds 0.05-0.15 mm per surface · sand to 800 grit, primer + topcoat · paint also acts as a UV barrier for outdoor service.

Heat-set inserts & assembly

Brass inserts for threaded holes · metal washers preserve ground path

For multi-part ESD fixtures we use heat-set brass inserts (CNC Kitchen ~285°C method for PETG-ESD, Markforged 2mm minimum boss thickness) rather than bonded joints · adhesive lines break the dissipative network unless the adhesive is ESD-compatible. Metal washers under fasteners carry the ground path between parts.

Why 3DPE for PETG-ESD

Four reasons audited assembly lines send us their PETG-ESD briefs.

270

Calibrated 270°C nozzle profile

The dissipative band only holds at a tightly-calibrated nozzle temperature. Our 270°C PETG-ESD profile is verified against two-point-probe resistivity readings · not the manufacturer's generic 240°C PETG profile that DIY makers run.

QC

Resistivity certificate per batch

For audited supply chains we measure surface resistivity at 10V / 50% RH on every print run and ship a certificate of resistivity with the parts. Readings logged in the workshop QC database.

FIT

Material-fit check on every brief

Send three things: service temperature, resistivity-class required (dissipative vs conductive), and certification needed. our team come back inside 24 hours · if PA612-ESD, plain PETG, or a conductive grade fits better, we say so.

JC
FB

Two engineers, named

our team review every brief before quote. No ticket queue, no account managers.

According to the Fiberon PETG-ESD TDS, PETG-ESD reaches Young's modulus 1983 ± 75 MPa (XY) per ISO 527 with ESD-dissipative surface resistivity 1.0E+4 to 7.4E+7 Ω across nozzle 250–290 °C and HDT 76 °C @ 0.45 MPa.

FAQ

FAQ · Thirteen questions worth getting in writing before specifying PETG-ESD.

Do you recycle PETG-ESD print waste?

Yes. We run a closed loop in our own workshop. Failed prints, purge, and support waste are collected, reground, and reprocessed here instead of going to landfill. That is standard on every PETG-ESD job, no surcharge.

What does ESD-safe actually mean for a 3D-printed part?

ESD-safe is a controlled-resistance band, not a binary. ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 defines three classes by surface resistivity: conductive (<10⁴ Ω/sq), dissipative (10⁴ to <10¹¹ Ω/sq), and insulative (≥10¹¹ Ω/sq). PETG-ESD sits in the dissipative band at ~10⁵ Ω/sq when printed at our calibrated 270°C nozzle · the right band for electronics-bench tooling, jigs, fixtures, and trays. Plain PETG measures ~10¹⁴ Ω/sq · firmly insulative · and will hold and discharge static through whatever ESD-sensitive component you place on it.

Why does the nozzle temperature affect ESD performance so much?

PETG-ESD relies on a percolation network · carbon nanotubes that physically touch through the polymer matrix to carry charge. At 250°C the polymer is too viscous · CNTs cluster and the network is patchy (resistivity drifts insulative). At 290°C polymer flow is too fluid · CNTs over-disperse and the network ends up over-percolated (conductive class, not dissipative). 270°C is the sweet spot · this is why we run every PETG-ESD job at our calibrated 270°C profile. Print a PETG-ESD spool at the manufacturer's generic 240°C and you may get a part that doesn't behave ESD-safe even though it's labelled ESD.

PETG-ESD vs PA612-ESD · which one for my part?

Service temperature is the decider. PETG-ESD: 65°C ambient max (Tg 77°C), printable on any 250°C+ FDM, ~£40-55/kg filament. PA612-ESD: 110°C continuous service, requires 280°C+ hotend and ideally a heated chamber, ~£90-130/kg filament. For room-temperature electronics-bench fixtures, jigs, IC trays, soldering stations · PETG-ESD wins on cost and ease. For under-bonnet or near-equipment fixtures that sit warm during use, specify PA612-ESD.

Is PETG-ESD as strong as plain PETG?

Slightly lower · tensile 36.1 MPa PETG-ESD vs 50.8 MPa plain PETG XY (~29% lower) and modulus 1983 vs 2117 MPa (~6% less stiff) · the CNT loading trades a little strength for the dissipative network. Notched Charpy actually improves ~2× over plain PETG (5.7 vs 2.6 kJ/m²) · the CNT toughens the matrix. The other trade-off is colour: PETG-ESD is matt black only. If you need ESD-safe AND a colour, spray with an ESD-compatible topcoat after print.

Is PETG-ESD food-contact safe? · what the CNT additive means

No. The CNT loading disqualifies PETG-ESD from food-contact applications. The base PETG resin is food-contact certifiable in plain form, but once carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the matrix, EU 10/2011 and FDA food-contact compliance no longer apply. For food-contact prototypes specify plain PETG. The chemical-resistance picture is inherited from plain PETG:

Chemical / familyResistanceNotes
Weak acids (acetic, citric, dilute organic)GoodManufacturer TDS rating · short-term storage
Strong acids (sulphuric, HCl, nitric)PoorManufacturer TDS rating · polymer chain breakdown
Weak alkalis (dilute soap, mild bleach)FairManufacturer TDS rating · short-term only
Strong alkalis (caustic soda, ammonia)PoorManufacturer TDS rating · ester bond hydrolysis
Oils and greaseGoodManufacturer TDS rating · sustained contact OK
Cold water, sea water (cold)ExcellentPET-backbone hydrolytic stability · proven in bottles
Hot water (sustained > 60°C)LimitedApproaches HDT · hydrolysis accelerates over months
Steam autoclave (121°C)FailsAbove HDT · parts deform · choose PEEK / PPSU
Detergents, soap (mild)GoodDishwasher-style detergents · short-cycle only (heat above 60°C is the limit)
Alcohols (IPA, ethanol, methanol) wipeGoodSurface cleaning, no soak
Acetone, MEK (ketones)PoorPartial dissolution · industrial degreaser, nail polish remover
Toluene, xylene (aromatic hydrocarbons)PoorDegrades over time
Petrol, diesel (brief contact)LimitedBrief OK · sustained attacks the polymer
Chlorinated solvents (DCM, chloroform)PoorStrong solvents · industrial use only, workshop hazards
Swimming pool chemistry (chlorine, bromine)LimitedShort-term OK · sustained immersion attacks the polymer
UV exposure (UK outdoor)Limited6-12 months uncoated · multi-year requires overcoat or ASA
Outdoor weathering (sheltered)GoodRain-tight under cover, hydroponic outdoor, garden irrigation
Food contact (base PET chemistry)ExcellentNOT food-contact certified (CNT additive) base · printed grade needs certification + sealing for true food-contact

First five rows are direct manufacturer TDS ratings. Remaining rows reflect industry-typical PETG behaviour and 3DPE workshop experience · brief contact is always more forgiving than sustained exposure. For sustained chemical service beyond water and oils, switch material to ABS, PA12, or PP depending on the exposure.

Does PETG-ESD warp when printing?

Less than ABS, slightly more than plain PETG. The CNT network increases stiffness modestly, which raises internal cooling stress slightly compared to plain PETG. Bed adhesion on PEI or textured glass is good. Large flat parts stay flat. The main print issue is wet filament producing stringing and brittle layer adhesion · this is why we dry every PETG-ESD spool at 65°C for 3 hours before printing (manufacturer setting).

Does PETG-ESD need a hardened-steel nozzle?

Yes. Carbon nanotubes are abrasive · running PETG-ESD through a standard brass nozzle scores the bore within a few hundred grams of throughput and degrades flow consistency. We use hardened-steel or tungsten-carbide nozzles for every PETG-ESD job. DIY makers using brass nozzles produce parts whose ESD performance drifts as the nozzle wears.

Can I bond PETG-ESD parts together?

Mechanically yes, ESD-continuous-ly no. Two-part epoxy holds well · cyanoacrylate works but is weaker than on PLA or ABS. The catch: bonded joints break ESD continuity unless the adhesive is itself ESD-compatible. For multi-part ESD fixtures, design them as single-piece prints with snap-fits or heat-set inserts, or use mechanical fasteners with metal washers to maintain the ground path.

What temperature does PETG-ESD actually fail at?

Tg sits at 77°C · above this PETG-ESD softens. HDT is 76°C at 0.45 MPa and 72°C at 1.8 MPa. Vicat softening at 86°C. A PETG-ESD part in sustained service above 70°C will creep and lose dimensional accuracy. PETG-ESD won't survive a hot UK summer in direct sun, and is the wrong choice anywhere near a soldering iron tip rest. For warm-service ESD fixtures choose PA612-ESD (110°C continuous).

Why is PETG-ESD only available in black?

Carbon nanotubes are intrinsically black · the loading required to hit the dissipative percolation network (~3-5% by weight) makes any other colour impractical. The matt-black finish is actually a useful signal on a workbench: black tooling means ESD-safe, coloured tooling means not. If you need a coloured ESD-safe part, the workflow is print in PETG-ESD, then spray with an ESD-compatible topcoat (Hi-Tech 7100 or similar) that preserves the dissipative path.

How do I verify the ESD performance of a delivered part?

Surface resistivity is measured with a two-point probe (e.g. ACL Staticide 800 series) at 10V on a clean, room-temperature, 50% RH part. Reading should fall between 10⁴ and 10¹¹ Ω/sq for the dissipative class. For audited supply chains we can include a measured certificate of resistivity per part run · request this in the brief and we'll budget the QC step in the quote.

How much does PETG-ESD cost vs plain PETG?

Filament cost is roughly £40-55/kg for PETG-ESD · about 1.5 to 2× plain PETG (£25-35/kg). For typical electronics-bench fixtures that's a unit-cost adder of £3-8 per part. For a fraction of the cost of PA612-ESD (£90-130/kg) you get most of the ESD benefit, provided service temperature stays below 65°C. Send the brief with use-case and we'll quote the actual job.

Glossary

Engineering terms used on this page.

PETG-ESD
Glycol-modified PETG loaded with multi-wall carbon nanotubes at roughly 3-5% by weight. The CNT network creates a percolated conductive path across the polymer matrix · the part dissipates static charge instead of holding it. At our calibrated 270°C nozzle the surface resistivity lands in the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 dissipative band (~10⁵ Ω/sq).
CNT (carbon nanotube)
A cylindrical nanostructure of carbon atoms with extremely high aspect ratio (length-to-diameter often > 1000:1). Multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs) are used in PETG-ESD for their electrical conductivity along the tube axis · once enough tubes touch end-to-end to form a continuous network through the polymer, the matrix becomes electrically dissipative.
Percolation threshold
The loading level at which conductive filler particles (CNTs, here) form a continuous touching network through an insulating matrix. For high-aspect-ratio MWCNTs in PETG, threshold is typically 1-3% by weight. Below the threshold the matrix is insulative; above it, resistivity drops by many orders of magnitude.
Hygroscopic
A material that absorbs water from humid air. PETG-ESD's equilibrium water absorption is 0.41% (per TDS V1.1). Hygroscopic filaments require pre-print drying · for PETG-ESD, 65°C for 3 hours per the manufacturer's recommendation.
ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021
The US-published industry standard for electrostatic discharge control programs. Defines material classification thresholds: conductive (<10^4 Ω/sq), dissipative (10^4 to <10^11 Ω/sq), insulating (≥10^11 Ω/sq). PETG-ESD at 3DPE-calibrated 270°C nozzle delivers ~10^5 Ω/sq · cleanly within the dissipative band.
Anisotropy
The dependence of a material's properties on direction. PETG-ESD's anisotropy ratio is moderate (1.74× XY/Z, derived from TDS V1.1 · 36.1 / 20.7 MPa) · slightly higher than plain PETG (~1.19×, the CNT loading raises XY/Z spread) but well below the fibre-reinforced engineering composites.
Glass transition temperature (Tg)
The temperature at which an amorphous polymer transitions from glassy/rigid to rubbery/soft. PETG-ESD's Tg is 77°C (DSC, 10°C/min, TDS V1.1) · the practical service-temperature ceiling. Above Tg, parts soften and lose stiffness.
Heat deflection temperature (HDT)
The temperature at which a loaded specimen deflects a standard amount under a defined load (ISO 75). HDT @ 0.45 MPa is the lower-load value (76°C for PETG-ESD); HDT @ 1.8 MPa is the structural ceiling (72°C for PETG-ESD).
Vicat softening temperature
The temperature at which a standard needle penetrates a test specimen under defined load (ISO 306). PETG-ESD's Vicat is 86°C · a related but distinct ceiling from HDT.
Charpy impact strength
Energy a notched specimen absorbs in a swinging-pendulum impact test (ISO 179). PETG-ESD's notched value is 5.7 ± 0.5 kJ/m² · roughly 2× plain PETG (2.6) and 70% higher than PLA. The CNT loading toughens the matrix slightly. ABS at 18.0 kJ/m² is still 3× higher.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)
Filament-extrusion 3D printing. Distinct from SLS/MJF (powder-bed) and SLA (resin). PETG is FDM-only territory · powder-bed PET is a different process with different design rules.
Heat-set insert
A brass insert with knurled exterior that is melted into a pre-printed hole using a soldering iron. For PETG-ESD, iron temperature is approximately 285°C (printing temperature 270°C plus 10-20°C, per CNC Kitchen). Minimum 2 mm of material around and below the insert (Markforged).
PETG-ESD · CNT-LOADED ESD-DISSIPATIVE PETG · UK CALIBRATED

Got a brief that calls for ESD-safe PETG? Tell us the ESD class requirement, the service temperature, and where it lives.

You'll hear back from our team within 24 hours · with ESD calibration plan, material-fit check, drying/lead-time confirmation, and PA612-ESD step-up recommendation if you need above 65°C service.

Send your brief Browse other materials Email for full spec