SPEE3D is an Australian manufacturer of 3D printers operating in the Supersonic 3D Deposition (SP3D) technology. It is based on a process known as cold spraying, i.e. applying metallic powder to a work table at high speed. As it turns out, their technology can easily be adapted to fight the spreading virus. How?

The ACVTIVAT3D method they developed uses long-standing antibacterial properties – both research and experience show that coating copper surfaces in hospitals reduces the amount of pathogens deposited on them. Specialists from SPEE3D conducted tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus activity on metal and plastic surfaces. On metal surfaces, the time in which the virus remains active is up to 3 days – covering them with a layer of copper using the ACVTIVAT3D method reduces this time to two hours!

ACTIVAT3D is based on the process of cold spraying with copper particles. Its advantage is not only fast application time on the surface of the detail (covering one plate is a time of about 5 minutes), but also that the process takes place without the participation of high temperatures, which means that the coating can be applied to both metal and polymer materials.

SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy emphasizes that their solution is more efficient than 3D printing of whole copper elements. Antibacterial copper coatings can be produced locally around the world, and their coated components installed in schools, hospitals or other public places.

360Biolabs, an Australian laboratory specializing in clinical trials, tested the effect of ACTIVAT3D copper coatings SARS-CoV-2 virus. The results showed that 96% of the virus was neutralized within two hours and within the next three hours – 99.2%. Promising test results position the SPEE3D solution as suitable for applying antibacterial coatings on door handles, handrails or other frequently touched surfaces.

Scientists involved in the project say the current situation has made them aware that some simple solutions, such as using copper properties that have been known for years, may prove valuable. Copper has anti-bacterial properties, including Copper3D, producer of 3D printing materials. In their protective mask project, they point out that printing a 3D model from a material enriched with copper nanoparticles significantly increases its effectiveness.

Source: www.centrumdruku3d.pl

Magdalena Przychodniak
Editor-in-Chief of the 3D Printing Center. A biomedical engineer following the latest reports on bioprinting and 3D printing in modern medicine.

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