The vast majority of owners of 3D printers are currently using their devices to 3D print applications supporting medical services and paramedics in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks (e.g. popular N-95 version), adapters for 3M masks or face shields are mostly made of PETG or PLA. Meanwhile, there are a lot of antibacterial filaments on the market that can – and in some cases should be used.

The following list presents 10 filaments that either have antibacterial properties, or the raw material from which they are produced is certified, or the material itself has unique features that predispose them to be used in the production of medical aplications or having direct contact with the human body. At the same time, we must remember that the fact that a given filament is antibacterial does not automatically make it safe and healthy. Also 3D prints must be created in special sanitary conditions. In addition, if we often change the material on the same 3D printer, our safe, antibacterial filament will be contaminated with nanoparticles of other thermoplastics.

In article given below, you will find most popular designs dedicated to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, that you can 3D print. At the same time, please read carefully SAFETY MEASURES section you will find in it.

The filaments are listed in alphabetical order.

ABS MEDICAL [Spectrum Filaments]

ABS Medical is a highest quality material designed specifically for medical applications. The filament has been manufactured using ABS pellets that meet the biocompatibility requirements of USP Class VI or ISO 10993-1 certifications, which guarantees that it is biocompatible up to 30 days in contact with the human body.

Additionally ABS Medical is food contact approved according to EU No 10/20111 and 21 CFR FDA regulations.  

PRICE: €39,90
WEIGHT: 1 kg
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ANTIBACTERIAL [Grupa Azoty]

Special filaments with antibacterial properties. The antibacterial additives used in the product are authorized in the EU and comply with the European Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012.

Antibacterial additives comply with the requirements of the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are also included in the list of chemical compounds approved by OEKO-TEX.

ANTIBACTERIAL [Philament™]

Philament™ Antibacterial material incorporates metal ions which are known to have antibacterial properties. These inhibit the growth of bacteria by blocking an enzymatic reaction.

The antibacterial properties persist after 3D printing in temperatures in the range of 195-215°C. The effect is long-lasting and is effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

PRICE: €48,50 + VAT
WEIGHT: 0,75 kg
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ANTIBACTERIAL PLA [XYZPrinting]

XYZPrinting Antibacterial PLA uses silver ions to inhibit bacterial growth by at least 99%, reducing the risk of possible infection. Antibacterial agent complies with RoHS regulations.

PRICE: $29.95
WEIGHT: 0,6 kg
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FACILAN™ PCL 100 [3D4Makers]

PCL (Polycaprolactone) is a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point of around 60°C and a glass transition temperature of about −60°C. If manufactured correctly it can have direct contact with human tissue because of it biocompatibility.

Facilan™ PCL 100 is used by many leading universities and research centers worldwide for bleeding edge work in bioprinting and patient specific medical research. Filament is based on raw material produced in compliance with the European regulations EC No. 1935/2004 and EC No. 10/2011 concerning plastic materials and articles coming into contact with food.

PRICE: €127.05
WEIGHT: 0,75 kg
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MDflex [Copper 3D]

Copper3D – the Chilean manufacturer of filaments has gained great popularity due to antibacterial 3D printing materials, which owe their properties to the addition of copper nanoparticles.

Antibacterial action has been scientifically validated eliminating more than 99.99% of fungi, viruses, bacteria and a wide range of microorganisms. The Nano-Additive maintains all the mechanical properties of the TPU98A material like strong & flexibility, high heat resistance (138°C), 450% elongation at break and easy to print at vel. >75mm/s.

NanoClean [Copper 3D]

The antibacterial properties of Copper 3D filaments were confirmed by two microbiology laboratories in Chile and USA. The Nano-Additive maintains all the mechanical properties of the material like hardness, flexibility, odor neutral, easy to print and Hydrophobic (Does not absorb water).

NanoClean is non-toxic and environmentally friendly (100% recyclable material).

PEEK [3D4Makers]

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a colourless organic thermoplastic polymer in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, used in engineering applications. Because of its unique properties like high temperature resistence and biocompatibility it is widely used in engineering and medicine aplications.

The PEEK Filament produced by 3D4MAKERS meets the European regulations EC No. 1935/2004, EC No. 2023/2006 and EC No. 10/2011 concerning plastic materials and articles coming into contact with food and is also compliant with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for food contact.

PRICE: €361.79
WEIGHT: 0,5 kg
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PET-G FX120 [Spectrum Filaments]

PET-G FX 120 is a flexible material designed especially for engineering applications. Demonstrates excellent durability and strength, enabling designers to create rapidly truly functional parts to withstand normal use.

PET-G FX120 is a highly advanced material suitable for applications which require both the durability of an engineering-class polymer as well as the comfort and usefulness of products made of a flexible material. Exceptional chemical resistance and thermal resistance up to 120°C makes it can be successfully sterilized at high temperatures.

PRICE: €54,90
WEIGHT: 1 kg
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PLACTIVE [Copper 3D]

PLACTIVE™ is a FDA Registered Material and EU compliant (No. 10/2011, No. 1935/2004 and No. 2023/2006). The manufacturer also has certification ISO 9001/2015 and is REACH compliant.

Clinically tested in prosthesis for amputees with excellent results. Ideal for the manufacture of other medical applications where it’s dangerous to have bacterial contamination, such as postoperative prostheses, wound dressing and surgical equipment. PLACTIVE is currently being tested by NASA to evaluate its impact on interplanetary microbial contamination.

Paweł Ślusarczyk
CEO of 3D Printing Center. Has over 15 years' experience in buisiness, gained in IT, advertising and polygraphy. Part of 3D printing industry since 2013.

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