A small electrostatic discharge can damage sensitive electronic components. Static electricity builds up on an object and transfers to another, sometimes as a tiny spark. While typically harmless to people, it can disrupt or damage electronics.<\/p>\n
Standard filaments such as PLA and PETG are electrical insulators and can accumulate static charge. Protopasta offers specialty filaments with either conductive or static-dissipative properties for electronics projects and electrostatic-discharge (ESD) control.<\/p>\n
Electrical resistance measures how strongly a material opposes the flow of current. Insulators have high resistance, while conductive materials have low resistance. Dissipative materials fall between the two: they release electrostatic charge gradually and in a controlled way.<\/p>\n
Conductive filament can be used in low-voltage circuits and touch sensors. Dissipative filament is intended for parts that help protect sensitive electronics from static discharge, including holders and handling tools. A conductive material is not automatically the right choice for ESD protection; the best option depends on the part\u2019s purpose and required electrical properties.<\/p>\n
Protopasta has developed conductive filaments for more than a decade. Its Electrically Conductive Composite PLA, also known as Conductive PLA, uses carbon black to change PLA\u2019s electrical properties.<\/p>\n
The material can act as a resistor in low-voltage circuits, supporting projects such as LED circuits and capacitive touch sensors. For instance, a printed part can serve as a touch-sensitive button when connected to suitable electronic components.<\/p>\n
For applications where static control is the priority, Protopasta offers three dissipative filaments based on its conductive PLA: Static Dissipative PLA, Static Dissipative Carbon Fiber PLA, and Static Dissipative PETG. These materials are less conductive, with higher resistance that makes them better suited to reducing ESD risk.<\/p>\n
All three have a specified surface resistance of between 10\u2074 and 10\u2076 \u03a9, a range used for ESD applications. They can be used to print parts such as trays, PCB holders, assembly jigs, and enclosures for use around electronic components.<\/p>\n
The choice among them depends on the desired mechanical properties and base material. Dissipative PLA suits users who prefer printing with PLA. The carbon-fiber-reinforced version is stiffer and has a distinctive finish, but requires a wear-resistant nozzle. Dissipative PETG offers the properties of that polymer.<\/p>\n
Protopasta says the filaments print much like standard PLA or PETG on popular desktop printers. Since June 2026, the company has supplied its materials on in-house-made spools with recyclable plastic sides and a cardboard core. The spools are compatible with standard automatic filament switching systems.<\/p>\n
The difference between conductive and dissipative filaments comes down to formulation. Protopasta uses carbon black to adjust electrical resistance, with the type and amount of additive influencing the final properties.<\/p>\n
The company sources its ingredients separately, combines them in-house, and produces its own pellets. This gives it control over the formulation, according to co-founder Alexander Dick. Protopasta also checks the materials\u2019 electrical resistance with dedicated instruments to confirm it falls within the intended range.<\/p>\n
Resistance in a printed part can vary with the printer, print settings, and part orientation. Protopasta says these variations do not affect the parts\u2019 suitability for ESD applications.<\/p>\n
The same manufacturing approach allows the company to combine plastics with other materials. Its Magnetic Iron PLA contains iron particles, while High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA contains 70% 400-series stainless steel. Both are ferromagnetic; the stainless-steel material can also be brushed or polished to create a metallic finish. Advanced users may combine magnetic and conductive filaments in a project.<\/p>\n