The effect of UV-C radiation on the durability of 3D printed plastic parts in disinfectant devices

Abstract

The usage of far or hard ultraviolet radiation in wavelength 200 – 280 nm or shortly UV-C disinfectors are becoming more and more popular due to their universal ability to fight against bacteria and viruses. It is well known that according to DIN 5031-7, both UV-A and UV-B radiation from sunlight have clear influence on the mechanical and visual properties of plastic parts, but the influence of intensive artificial UV-C is not so widely investigated. As the UV-C is in the shorter end of the UV radiation wavelength spectrum and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere, it is not possible to see the influence of it in everyday life. But in the equipment where the artificial UV-C radiation wavelength is used as a disinfectant, and probably in the open space, the influence of UV-C could be remarkable. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the food industry to avoid contamination in the food packing process. The global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has amplified this interest and has forced authors to run a set of tests with printed plastic parts. This paper analyses the outcome of those tests including two different printing directions and two different surface paints. The study shows that there is considerable influence of UV-C radiation on mechanical and aesthetic properties of 3D SLS printed PA12 parts. However, the influence can be diminished by use of appropriate paints.