ABS-ESD · grade
ABS-ESD-IM
Properties of the IM condition, compared with the other ABS-ESD grades.
Pick for volume-moulded ESD trays, carriers and housings where isotropic strength and low cost matter more than lead time.
What is ABS-ESD-IM?
ABS-ESD-IM is ABS-ESD in the IM grade — pick for volume-moulded ESD trays, carriers and housings where isotropic strength and low cost matter more than lead time. ABS-ESD-IM has a yield strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) and a tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) — weaker than 70% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.4 GPa (0.348 Msi). ABS-ESD-IM has a density of 1.04 g/cm³ (0.0376 lb/in³), lighter than 70% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 108°C (226 °F). FDM is the default condition FabDigit quotes; IM is available on request or by drawing note.
ABS-ESD-IM properties
Typical room-temperature values for ABS-ESD-IM — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ABS-ESD grade. Each bar shows where the value sits among the polymer grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical4
ABS-ESD-IM has a density of 1.04 g/cm³ (0.0376 lb/in³), lighter than 70% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 108°C (226 °F).
Mechanical12
ABS-ESD-IM has a yield strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) and a tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) — weaker than 70% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 2.4 GPa (0.348 Msi).
Thermal11
ABS-ESD-IM is rated for continuous service to 80°C (176 °F). It conducts heat at 0.18 W/m·K (0.104 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 73% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 85 µm/m·K (47.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ABS-ESD-IM has an electrical resistivity of 100,000 Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ABS-ESD-IM takes about 95 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 70% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability7
ABS-ESD-IM's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 73% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ABS-ESD grades and fills
ABS-ESD is also supplied in 5 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the ABS-ESD overview.
- FDMDefaultDefault choice for printed ESD-safe fixtures, trays and assembly jigs on industrial FDM or heated-chamber FFF machines.36 MPa tensile
- CF-CONDChoose when stiffness/low warp plus true conductive (10²–10⁵ Ω) shielding-level performance is needed rather than pure static dissipation.55 MPa tensile
- IMPick for volume-moulded ESD trays, carriers and housings where isotropic strength and low cost matter more than lead time.42 MPa tensile
- FR-ESDFor ESD fixtures in equipment that must also meet UL 94 V-0 flammability at 1.5–3 mm.40 MPa tensile
Working with ABS-ESD-IM
Is ABS-ESD easy to machine?
Machines easily with sharp single-flute or O-flute cutters at high rpm/low feed; keep chips clear and avoid coolants containing ketones, and note that heavy sanding can locally alter surface resistivity.
Can ABS-ESD be welded?
Joins well by solvent bonding (avoid on ESD-critical surfaces), ultrasonic and hot-plate welding; conductive-filled joints may need a bridging conductive adhesive to keep the path continuous.
Can ABS-ESD be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–4 h at 80 °C before printing/moulding; FDM needs a 90–100 °C heated chamber and 230–265 °C nozzle to limit warping, injection at 220–250 °C melt / 50–80 °C mould with moderate shear to preserve the carbon network.
What surface finishes work on ABS-ESD?
Supplied black only; vapour smoothing or paint/primer will insulate the surface and destroy ESD function, so leave working faces as-printed or lightly bead blasted and verify surface resistance per ANSI/ESD STM11.11.
ABS-ESD chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| styrenerigid matrix phase with acrylonitrile | 40 – 60 | 50 |
| acrylonitrilechemical/heat resistance | 15 – 30 | 23 |
| polybutadiene rubberimpact-modifying elastomer phase | 5 – 25 | 15 |
| conductive carbon blackESD network; replaced by CNT or antistatic agent in other variants | 2 – 10 | 5 |
| processing additives (lubricant, stabili | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
ABS-ESD-IM — frequently asked
What is ABS-ESD-IM used for?
ABS-ESD-IM is typically used for electronics jigs, PCB fixtures and component trays. In short: static-dissipative ABS.
What is the yield strength of ABS-ESD-IM?
ABS-ESD-IM has a typical yield strength of 34 MPa (4.93 ksi) and a tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) — weaker than 70% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is ABS-ESD-IM easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 73% of polymer grades). Machines easily with sharp single-flute or O-flute cutters at high rpm/low feed; keep chips clear and avoid coolants containing ketones, and note that heavy sanding can locally alter surface resistivity.
Can ABS-ESD-IM be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Joins well by solvent bonding (avoid on ESD-critical surfaces), ultrasonic and hot-plate welding; conductive-filled joints may need a bridging conductive adhesive to keep the path continuous.
What surface finishes work on ABS-ESD-IM?
Supplied black only; vapour smoothing or paint/primer will insulate the surface and destroy ESD function, so leave working faces as-printed or lightly bead blasted and verify surface resistance per ANSI/ESD STM11.11.
Can ABS-ESD-IM be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–4 h at 80 °C before printing/moulding; FDM needs a 90–100 °C heated chamber and 230–265 °C nozzle to limit warping, injection at 220–250 °C melt / 50–80 °C mould with moderate shear to preserve the carbon network.
What is the maximum service temperature of ABS-ESD-IM?
ABS-ESD-IM is rated for continuous use to about 80°C (176 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in ABS-ESD-IM?
Yes — ABS-ESD-IM is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ABS-ESD7 FDM Thermoplastic Material Data Sheet — Stratasys (2023)
- ANSI/ESD STM11.11 Surface Resistance Measurement of Static Dissipative Planar Materials — ESD Association (2015)
- ASTM D257 Standard Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials — ASTM (2021)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector ABS compound datasets — CWFG / UL (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.