Using your 3D prints to house electrical devices?

If you are using your 3D prints to house electrical devices and experiencing any interference issues. Say a musical instrument or audio/rf device, these products may help

They come in several size containers, but these two seem most likely to be of use to DMS members.

https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Conductive-Coating-Plastic/dp/B06XTP8GR5/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504112703&sr=8-4&keywords=super+shield+mg+chemicals

A single coat of this paint creates a conductive surface on the plastic, that can provide up to 70dB of shielding. Additional coats, can increase the shielding effect. Note that the solvent for this chemical is acetone, so it will also provide a ‘smoothing’ effect on ABS.

Another approach is to use some kind of contact adhesive and pieces of aluminum foil to provide the same shielding. I have used both approaches, and currently prefer the above paints, since I find them quicker and easier to apply.

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That’s pretty cool. I didn’t realize this existed.

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Just added to my shopping cart. Hopefully the dissolved ABS doesn’t affect the results too much. I had been looking for a metal case for my bitx 40 that would have a compatible form factor with a MFJ 971 tuner, but now I can design and print one instead.

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Please share when you do. I have several Bitx kits, and am not happy with my current design for a case.

Walter, as a point of reference (perhaps, merely an anecdotal point of reference), have you measured the resistance between the two furthest points on any of your 3D printed enclosures that have been covered with the “Super Shield” product?

Yes, but not with any attempt at precision. First the resistance is dependent upon the number of coats. With one coat I was seeing about four ohms per inch. With two coats it dropped to about 1 ohm per inch.

Another thing I am about to try is using a epoxy resin mixed with copper powder to coat the case and see how that works as well.

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Understand that my ‘measurements’ above were not conducted with any great accuracy. I used a fluke 117 and I don’t know how accurate the ohms readings are at that range. I also don’t know how much resistance the probes themselves add to the process.

Here is a sheet from the technical data sheet for the product which shows the values you may be looking for.

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