Success story: PP3D polypropylene filament, a solution to the health crisis

RESULT                                                                                                                                    

The PP·3D polypropylene filament was the solution to be able to print these pieces

Among other reasons, it was the ideal material:

• To ensure the non-permeability of the virus , one of the most critical points of these applications. The virus is very small in size, and that was one of the top concerns during the design and development process for both [#skuba] and [#splitter]. Especially for the [#skuba] mask, since it was going to be used to prevent contagion from healthcare professionals. It must be taken into account that most of the materials printed by different methods can result in porous pieces, not at first glance, but with a larger pore size than the coronavirus itself. And with PP · 3D we ensured non-permeability.
• To achieve great tightness at the junction or connection with the mask itself and the filters . It had to be achieved in the fewest number of pieces possible and with an optimized geometry that would withstand autoclave temperatures without deformation. For this reason, with the PP · 3D filament all the established premises were fulfilled. An adjustment in the mechanical joint was achieved, even better than with flexible materials, and the necessary tightness ensuring non-permeability.
• It allows intense sterilization in order to disinfect the material by autoclaving .
• It has a slow, but adequate flexural resilience and good resistance. The [artefacts] team was pleasantly surprised, as they discovered in this filament characteristics that other thermoplastic filaments do not offer.
• Due to its surface finish, less rough than PLA, which makes it more accepted by the user , which is a good advantage.