3D printing copper on surfaces can kill COVID-19 virus

The Australian company SPEE3D has developed and tested a fast and affordable way to 3D print antimicrobial copper onto metal surfaces. Laboratory tests have shown that touch surfaces modified by this process kill up to 96% of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes the COVID-19 illness – in just two hours. In the 3D printing sector, a number of companies are working on initiatives to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some are working on producing medical equipment at scale such as face shields, masks or ventilators, whilst others are studying how additive manufacturing can help prevent the virus from living outside of our bodies.

For example, in Spain, FICEP S3 developed a device called AMS mini capable of sterilizing the air. Their device can get rid of bacteria and microorganisms, including the COVID-19 virus present in air droplets. However, transmission can also happen from touching a contaminated surface. Scientists around the world have warned that SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 3 days on surfaces, therefore it makes perfect sense to tackle this issue too. This is why SPEE3D, which manufactures metal additive manufacturing solutions, has developed a way to 3D print antimicrobial copper proven to kill the COVID-19 virus.

SPEE3D develops metal additive manufacturing solutions

The Australian company is modifying its 3D printers with new algorithms to allow existing metal parts to be coated with copper. Given that copper parts are difficult to produce using traditional methods, 3D printing may be the only tool available to rapidly deploy copper, and at an affordable price. Copper has been proven to eradicate bacteria, yeasts and viruses rapidly on contact by breaking down the cell wall and destroying the genome. The SPEE3D team was able to coat a stainless-steel door touch plate and other handles in just five minutes. The digital print files were then sent to participating partners around the globe, allowing the simultaneous installation of newly coated parts in buildings in the USA, Asia and Australia.