Electrical Insulation Properties in 3D Printing Materials

When selecting 3D printing materials for electrical insulation applications, understanding key electrical properties such as dielectric strength and dielectric constant is essential. These properties determine how well a material insulates against electrical voltage and how it interacts with electrical signals, impacting safety, signal integrity, and overall performance.

Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Voltage)

Dielectric strength measures how much voltage a material can withstand per millimeter before electrical breakdown occurs, essentially how well it resists electricity passing through it. A higher dielectric strength indicates better insulating capability. Fiberon PPS-GF20, reinforced with 20% glass fiber by weight (GF), exhibits a dielectric strength of approximately 6.05 kV/mm. This is about 12 times higher than Fiberon PPS-CF10 (carbon fiber reinforced), which has 0.45 kV/mm. The significantly elevated dielectric strength of PPS-GF20 makes it highly suitable for moderate voltage insulation, ensuring safer operation compared to carbon fiber reinforced materials or air in many applications.

Dielectric Constant

The dielectric constant measures a material’s ability to store electrical energy when exposed to an electric field. It is analogous to how much water a sponge can hold; a higher dielectric constant means the material can store more electrical energy. This property is frequency-dependent and influences signal transmission. Materials with a high dielectric constant cause more energy loss and signal distortion; therefore, lower values are preferred for high-frequency applications where signal integrity and speed matter.

Fiberon PPS-GF20 has a dielectric constant of 2.62 at 1 kHz and 2.71 at 1 MHz, which is lower than that of PPS-CF10 (4.64 at 1 kHz and 3.74 at 1 MHz). This means PPS-GF20 offers better performance for transmitting fast electrical signals with minimal energy loss, making it well suited to insulating components where high-frequency signals are critical.

Summary of Electrical Characteristics

• Fiberon PPS-GF20

  • Dielectric Strength: 6.05 kV/mm

  • Dielectric Constant: 2.62 (1 kHz), 2.71 (1 MHz)

• Fiberon PPS-CF10

  • Dielectric Strength: 0.45 kV/mm

  • Dielectric Constant: 4.64 (1 kHz), 3.74 (1 MHz)

Advantages of Fiberon PPS-GF20:

• Combines moderate to high dielectric strength for higher voltage insulation safety.

• Maintains a low dielectric constant to reduce signal loss and enable better high-frequency electrical performance.

• Utilizes glass fiber reinforcement, which is electrically insulative, unlike carbon fibers that tend to conduct electricity.

• Suitable for applications requiring electrical insulation with good signal transmission, such as drone housings and other electronics where radio frequency signals must pass through the material.

• Flame retardant and thermally stable with a heat deflection temperature over 230°C, adding to its suitability for harsh environments.

In summary, Fiberon PPS-GF20 provides a well-balanced insulation profile making it a strong contender for 3D printed parts requiring both electrical insulation and good high-frequency signal performance. Its superior dielectric strength and low dielectric constant set it apart from carbon fiber reinforced filaments, offering safer and more efficient electrical insulation in production-grade 3D printing materials.

This material enables new applications in electrical, automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors by combining high-performance insulation with mechanical strength and thermal stability.