PLA VX pellets

PLA VX pellets, based on PLA with an active virucidal filler, are ISO 21702 certified for their antiviral activity and are suitable for skin contact. Nanovia VX technology (patent pending) limits the risks of biological contaminants and the spread of viruses and pathogens on its surface.

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic obtained from natural resources, specifically from starch extracted from corn, sugar beet and wheat. It is one of the most widely used materials in 3D printing today because it does not give off harmful gases and is easy to print. The low technical requirements of this material make it possible to print on almost any 3D printer on the market.

Image 1: 3D printed Petri dish holder with PLA VX material. Source: Nanovia.

With PLA VX material we can easily produce everyday objects. The virucidal properties of Nanovia PLA VX allow the elimination of 86.8% and 98.7% of the H1N1 virus, respectively, after a contact period of 1 and 2 hours.

• Pellets can be used in the manufacture of filament for FDM 3D printers using Filastruder or any other filament extruder.
• It is possible to use a pellet extruder for 3D printing directly.

With the combination of PLA VX Pellets and a good filament extruder such as Filastruder, it is possible to obtain 3D printing filament with qualities similar to those of commercial PLA filament.

Image 2: 3D printed Petri dish holder with PLA VX material. Source: Nanovia.

When using PLA VX Pellets to make filament with a filament extruder such as Filastruder or using a pellet extruder for direct 3D printing, it should be noted that the extrusion temperature must be regulated in relation to the extrusion speed used.

Possible applications for PLA VX are door handles, trolley handles, window handles, toilet buttons, lift buttons, switch buttons, keyboards, ballpoint pens, etc. In other words, parts that are constantly used in everyday life by different people.

Image 3: 3D printed switch with PLA VX material. Source: Nanovia.

Among the advantages of PLA VX we can highlight:

• No contact hazard
• Automatic decontamination / prevents biofilm formation
• Easy to print
• Food safe

These pellets can already be found in filament form on the Nanovia website.