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Does anybody know if PLA wheels will build up a damaging static charge?

The wheels in question are 3D printed and they're for a scale ingot buggy. They would ride on the outside rails and be connected to each other by a metal axle. I don't want to have wheels custom machined and I haven't found small enough wheels in O Scale so far. I think I have felt PLA holding a static charge before. I don't know how damaging static electricity is to our model trains. As usual and always, electricity is a little mysterious to me and when it comes to damaging myself or my toys, I'm concerned.

Would a conductive filament be the better option if static electricity is an issue?

Last edited by BillYo414
Original Post

I looked at your thread on the car build. Nice work. I can’t answer your question on the static in the plastic.
Not sure what size wheel is required. Other than your mention of smaller than a standard O gauge wheel.  You could look into S Gauge Flyer. I believe Lionel offers them. You would get wide rims and a deep flange. Still a smaller gauge but it might play well with your Ross track. I suppose you could cut the axles in half and maybe print up a spacer for a press fit to gauge them to O.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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