PLA Dielectric Breakdown Voltage Measurement

[@davidv1289]

Very interesting, I would not have thought that garden variety PLA for 3D printers would have such a high breakdown voltage. Thank you for showing us your work.

[@KerryWongBlog]

You are welcome!

[@tHaH4x0r]

I was waiting for this one! Awesome. Surprisingly high breakdown voltage, I never expected it, its in the same range as silicone or mineral oil, and glass. I think the dielectric breakdown would change with the moisture of the plastic whilst printing, since it significantly influences layer adhesion too. Would be interesting for other 3D printed materials as well, such as ABS or flexible filaments (for flexible HV seals).

[@KerryWongBlog]

I am curious about how moisture would affect the breakdown property of PLA as well. Although PLA is less susceptible to moisture than ABS...

[@douro20]

@@KerryWongBlog Just keep the stuff away from strong bases as they will hydrolyse PLA.

[@TheDefpom]

Different colours will also effect the dielectric, for instance black will likely have a lower resistance due to the use of “Carbon Black” in the pigment itself.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Good point!

[@TheDefpom]

Also most material data sheets will list the dielectric measurement as part of the material properties.

[@SidneyCritic]

Wouldn't it be prudent to test the actual connector as well. Probably not a problem for PLA, but when you print in ABS sometimes the layers don't fuse and separate, leaving a gap. I suppose air is 3KV/mm, so there still is that.

[@Corgitronics]

Oh... I might have to look for one of those Bertan 225-02R units! That goes way past my 5KV insulation tester.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Make sure you look around as the price for these used ones vary a lot.

[@hansmortensen5668]

Thanks for this video.

[@stevenminnick]

Very interesting. Thanks for testing and sharing the video.

[@syparmar13]

Why isn’t there a DC ARC Flash occurring when the dielectric voltage is breaking down?

[@SeanBZA]

You should be able to make an electret membrane with that setup, heating the PLA to just short of melting with high voltage applied, and using the alignment with the field to impress a static charge into it. DIY electret microphone, probably not the best, but might have some usable response.

[@ruimvp]

Thank you for the video. Do you think that a 0,1 mm (or less) plastic ground screen will be enough to prevent an electric fence to discharge?

[@KerryWongBlog]

Depend on the voltage. But the dielectric breakdown voltage for most plastics range between 100kV/cm to 700kV/cm so a 0.1mm plastic sheet may only be able to withstand up to 700V. Check the dielectric strength of the material you are using and the fence voltage.

[@ruimvp]

@@KerryWongBlog there is a fox that is visiting our chickens by escavating under the net. My idea is to place a ground screen and, above, the electric fence. The ground screen is to limit the weeds growth. The electric fence will be near the ground. So, when the fox tries to pass under the net there is a point where she will touch the fence. But the ground screen it is in the middle. But by your explanation that will work. The electric fence specs are max 8.3 KV, 4.5 KV (500 ohm load). The plastic screen is polypropylene with 0,17 mm. thank you for your time and explanations.

[@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994]

Thanks, Interesting tests. Perhaps not dead accurate on the breakdown of PLA but more a single 3D printed layer breakdown given the non smooth nature of the sample. Gives me good confidence to keep making bushes and shims with electrical jacks or connectors.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Yeah, this is definitely not extremely accurate, but hopefully should be in the ballpark.

[@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994]

@@KerryWongBlog When you get sorted PETG is worth having a play with too. It gets a tougher result overall and still reasonable finish. Just make sure you add some glu stick or barrier on the surface. Bypass ABS unless you really need to.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Kerry, thanks for the video, it is fantastic!. I got a little nervous at 2000V, then started laughing at 5000V, then didn't think your power supply was working correctly. Thanks so much for filming your knob turning on the PLA, it was a great suspense. I had no idea it would be that high, good to know. What kind of PLA did you use?

[@KerryWongBlog]

Hi Craig, glad you liked it. The PLA I used was bought along with my Creality Ender-3D printer and it is Creality branded but I don't think there's anything special about it.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@KerryWongBlog I heard you mention that the PLA came with your printer. I forwarded this video to a friend who does HV isolation testing and he wasn't surprised at the 10KV+ voltages, but I sure was. PLA HV isolation opens up some interesting aspects for some vacuum tube amp test equipment I'm working on. Thanks!

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@CraigHollabaugh Great to hear that, thanks!

[@edgeofdenialdeephouseradio8886]

hi, about the fastklick project i built but no work got an idea why?

[@phasorsystems6873]

Can anyone try this out and give feedback? research circuit solver on the playstore!

[@johnsenchakinternetsecurit8935]

boring , just doing hi-pot testing

[@davidv1289]

Very interesting, I would not have thought that garden variety PLA for 3D printers would have such a high breakdown voltage. Thank you for showing us your work.