Antiviral Copper AM Process Protects Touch Surfaces

 

 

Australian company Spee3D has developed and tested a fast and cost-effective way to 3D print anti-microbial copper onto metal surfaces. Laboratory tests have shown that touch surfaces modified by this process “contact kills” 96% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in two hours.

The process, which the company is calling Activat3D copper, was developed by creating algorithms for the metal printers allowing the coating of existing metal parts. Copper parts are difficult to produce using traditional methods and thus 3D printing may be the only tool available to rapidly deploy copper, the company says.

With laboratory testing complete, it is hoped the process can be applied to common touch items like door handles, rails and touch plates in hospitals, schools and other public places. Digital print files have been sent to participating partners around internationally, allowing the simultaneous installation of newly-coated parts in buildings in the United States, Asia and Australia.