Copper3D – a Chilean manufacturer of globally recognized, anti-bacterial 3D printing materials with copper nanoparticles, was one of the first companies that, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, developed and made available under an open-source license a protective mask design that can be printed on 3D printers. The mask called NANOHACK 2.0 is currently one of the most popular 3D models of this type, being the recommended solution, among others by NIH – US National Institute of Health. CD3D has been an official partner of the Copper3D project from the beginning, and has been a licensed contractor of NANOHACK 2.0 masks since last week.
The mask combines two aspects – on the one hand, it uses the potential of Copper3D PLACTIVE®️ and MDflex®️ antibacterial filaments, and on the other it has an aesthetic design. Copper 3D filament production technology is based on a patented and highly effective additive based on copper nanoparticles, transforming PLA thermoplastic into fully antibacterial nanocomposites. The company’s solutions are used by, among others NASA, as well as many other research units around the world.
The NANOHACK 2.0 mask is an OPEN-SOURCE project – each user of FDM / FFF 3D printers can successfully print the NANOHACK 2.0 mask themselves. Projects are public and can be downloaded from this address. Copper3D and CD3D recommend printing them from PLACTIVE®️ and MDflex®️ antibacterial materials according to the manufacturer’s website guidelines. Only then the mask will have properties that predispose it for use as a protective mask – 3D print of the mask from ordinary thermoplastic materials without any additional filtration makes it only an aesthetic gadget.
The mask cannot be printed and sold without the knowledge and consent of Copper3D – this is tantamount to breaking the provisions of the open-source license for which it is available. CD3D from the very beginning of the NANOHACK project is its official partner and has full Copper3D authorization for the production of masks and their possible commercialization.
NANOHACK 2.0 masks are produced and delivered to selected institutions and public utilities for free, they can also be sold to companies and individuals.
NANOHACK 2.0 masks are created on Zortrax Inventure 3D printers equipped with a closed working chamber separated from the printing system. In addition, they have a built-in HEPA filter. Thanks to this, masks are manufactured in a stable and controlled environment. However, they still need to be washed and disinfected before the first (and each subsequent) use.
Copper3D and CD3D highlight the following: