This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
Published on May 14, 2020, a study by Melbourne laboratory 360 Biolabs in collaboration with Spee3D found that copper surfaces can effectively kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19.
According to Spee3D co-founder Byron Kennedy, the company's 3D printers, initially used to build parts for the Australian defence force and US Marines, were repurposed to create copper-coated door handles and push plates.
‘Up until the end of last year, our business was building the 3D printers, which were then used to build parts,’ Kennedy said. ‘Come 2020, and the epidemic hits. We know about the antimicrobial properties of copper, so we thought ‘Can we do something, can we help out here?’’
The results of the study showed that 96 per cent of the virus was killed off in two hours and 99.2 per cent in 5 hours on copper surfaces, compared to no change on stainless steel surfaces over the same period.
Spee3D has already received orders from two Australian government departments to resurface door handles before staff return to work, and is in talks with a big miner and several major door handle manufacturers about additional applications.
