The Australian company SPEE3D has developed a fast and cost-effective method for 3D printing antimicrobial copper layers on metal. Laboratory tests show that surfaces treated with this technique kill 96% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 within just two hours.
This is based on a modified version of the company’s proprietary 3D metal printing process. Using new algorithms to control the metal 3D printers, existing metal parts can be coated with a copper layer. The production of copper parts using conventional methods is time-consuming, so 3D printing offers major advantages here.
Tests carried out by the accredited laboratory 360Biolabs with live SARS-CoV-2 viruses on a copper sample showed a significantly higher killing effect than with stainless steel, which is often used for hygienic surfaces. After five hours, 99.2 percent of the viruses were inactivated by the copper coating.
Based on these results, SPEE3D developed a process to coat the entire surface of stainless steel door handles, for example, within five minutes. Digital print data was then sent to partners around the world, who started retrofitting directly – for example at universities in Australia, the USA and Japan.
According to SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy, coating existing parts is more material and time efficient than full printing of new components. The technology can be used flexibly in hospitals, schools or shopping centers to reduce the risk of infection.
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