3D-Printed Copper Cladding Battles Virus That Causes COVID-19

Citing studies showing that copper rapidly kills SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, Spee3D has introduced Activat3D copper and a process to clad it to existing parts via the company’s printers. This discovery has led to a renewed interest in employing copper fixtures and fittings in communal areas, according to Spee3D officials who note that copper, an attractive architectural material, kills bacteria, yeasts and viruses rapidly on contact by breaking down the cell wall and destroying the genome.

Spee3D has developed new algorithms that allow its printers to coat existing metal parts with copper, reportedly a more efficient than printing solid copper parts from scratch, and enabling the coating of stainless-steel door touch plates and other handles in only 5 min.

Laboratory tests, claim Spee3D officials, have shown that Activat3D copper contact-kills 96 percent of SARS-CoV-2 in 2 hr., and 99.5 percent in 5 hr., whereas stainless steel, typically used in hygienic environments, showed no killing power in the same timeframe.

Spee3D offers live demo webinars of the coating process in action on April 24, May 1 and May 8.

See also: SPEE3D

Technologies: Additive Manufacturing

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