Mar. 26, 2015 | By Alec
While science teachers everywhere are already calling for the inclusion of 3D printing courses in high schools, a new Korean innovation suggests it can even be taught in junior high. For plastics manufacturer BnK (Books and Kimchi) have just announced a new line of PLA filament that has anti-microbial properties. They believe this filament, called Purement, is the first of its kind and is perfect for use in homes with children and in schools.
While you could argue about the point of introducing kids as young as eight or ten years old about 3D printing, the concept behind this filament is very clever. Anti-microbial substances kill or inhibit the growth of a vast number of bacteria, and Purement itself has been extensively tested for these properties. ‘According to company studies, Purement has been proven to eliminate 99% of staphylococcus aureus and colon bacillus bacteria in laboratory tests and also prevents them from spreading, thus helping to reduce the risk of infections,’ BnK reveals. This company, for the record, specialized in manufacturing plastic components for the automobile industry but have recently moved into filament production as well.
Their anti-microbial properties are further certified by a Korean patent, while a US and international patent is pending. As BnK revealed, their properties were even certified by KOLAS and are compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulations, which have been developed by the EU. ‘This means that it doesn't contain lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. These restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling,’ BnK reveals. Purement’s harmless properties are also backed by the SIAA (Society of Industrial technology for Antimicrobial Articles) and SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance).
That’s all great to hear, but what’s Purement’s secret. Well, in a nutshell this is PLA mixed with inorganic antibacterial ingredients that are long lasting too. And while typical objects, such as toys, can be a hotbed for germ activity do to their layered nature (creating large growth surfaces), Purement has been proven to kill many germs and inhibit the growth of others. ‘Even after thorough washing, it is often not possible to completely clean these items. With items made of PUREMENT, bacteria and germs find that the tiny nooks and crannies of 3D printed items aren’t so appealing, and thus the risk of spreading germs to your family is greatly reduced,’ BnK revealed.
Not only does that mean that society’s germ carriers, children, can safely play with toys printed with Purement, it also means that this filament is ideal for being used in schools and other public locations. It’s, in short, a perfect educational filament. It also comes in eleven different colors, making it ideal for children.
According to its manufactures, it otherwise functions exactly like PLA in terms of 3D printing it. While it looks like this filament cannot be currently ordered, keep an eye on BnK’s website for more information about availability. The Purement’s exact specifications are:
- Filament Net Weight : 0.6kg
- Material : PLA/ANTIMICOBIAL
- Diameter : 1.75mm, 2.85mm, 3mm
- Diameter Tolerance : ± 0.05 mm (Diameter Measurement)
- Print Temperature Guideline : 200°C ~ 230°C
- Validity Tolerance (max) : 0.05 mm
- Print Speed Guideline : 40 - 80 mm/s
- Transparency: Opaque
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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Any testing for use in medical devices underway?
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