cleaning frequency influence the efficacy more than the differences
between alloys. This is important as it allows choice to be made on
the basis of other factors such as strength, form and colour: copper
alloys are stronger and generally easier to fabricate or machine than
pure copper.
In cool or refrigerated spaces, copper has been shown to be the
most active surface and should be considered first. In such environ-
ments, often in pathology departments or food preparation areas,
regular cleaning is the norm, so undue tarnishing should not become
an issue. Many copper alloys will perform in the same way as, or better
than, steel when fabricated into complex shapes by deep drawing or
stamping. Many common components use copper alloys specifically
because they are easier to work than other materials and offer both
technical and economic advantages.
For antimicrobial touch surfaces, often colour will be a primary
factor in alloy choice, confining the designer to a small family of al-
loys; whereas for components where colour may not be important,
normal design criteria can be accommodated by one or more of the
alloy families.
Cost-effectiveness
Copper alloys continue to be major industrial metals because they
are both technically and economically most suited to their chosen
application. There are many factors, sometimes overlooked, that
contribute to the low costs of copper alloy components:
• Close tolerance manufacturing techniques can be employed so
that finishing costs are minimal
• Tooling costs may be significantly lower than for other materials
or processes
• Ease of machiningmeans that production costs can be minimised
• In addition to these benefits, the high value of any process scrap
can be used to reduce production costs significantly
• The long service life normally expected of well-designed compo-
nents means that the costs of service failures are minimal
• Copper alloys are easy to work with and can reduce overall
manufacturing costs.
Hygienic product design
When designing functional products with hygiene in mind, selecting
an antimicrobial copper alloy is the first step, but consideration also
needs to be given to optimising design for the following:
• Avoidance of crevices, rough surfaces, joins and hard-to-reach
contours, which could trap dirt
• Surface finish - generally the smoother the finish, the easier it will
be to keep clean, although a satin or brushed finish will retain its
appearance for longer
• Ease of cleaning and decontamination
• Encouraging touch in specific areas so cleaning staff knowwhere
to focus their efforts
• Compatibility with different design schemes
• Importance of colour-matching with other components in a suite
of antimicrobial copper products (including non-touch surfaces)
• Compliance with local disability laws, which may require colour
or shade contrast
• Compliance with relevant product standards, especially in
healthcare settings where additional requirements may have to
be considered
Conclusion
Copper is a powerful antimicrobial with proven rapid, broad spectrum
efficacy against pathogens threatening public health. Touch surfaces,
food preparation areas and ventilation systems, in particular, have
been identified as major contributors to cross contamination and
infection and present opportunities for incorporating copper alloys.
Copper and its alloys can be used to upgrade or enhance existing
designs of equipment. The alloys are strong and amenable to common
fabrication techniques without expensive tool changes and present a
new colour palette to designers. In the factory, antimicrobial copper
alloys are easy to work and there is a well-developed infrastructure to
take advantage of copper’s excellent recyclability. In the field, copper
alloys are durable, will not lose their intrinsic antimicrobial efficacy
over time and are safe to use.
The Copper Development Association Africa is engaging with
healthcare facilities in South Africa and the rest of Africa to promote
this life saving metal and reduce the rate of infections in hospitals
and clinics.
A
bout the author
Evert Swanepoel is centre director for the Copper De-
velopment Association Africa (CDAA) - responsible for
promoting and expanding the use of copper in Africa.
His vast experience in managing large businesses has
provided him with the skill and knowledge to promote
both current and new copper projects that are positioned
to increase the demand and utilisation of this ductile metal throughout
Africa. He aims to expand the CDAA membership in South Africa and the
rest of Africa to include the complete spectrum of the copper industry,
from primary through to downstream companies and service organisations.
Enquiries: Tel. 011 824 3916 or email evert.swanepoel@copperalliance.
org.za. Visit
AMC products are manufactured and available in South Africa.
Cu+ mark is the only recognised mark for AMC.
When purchasing a product, insist on the supplier being Cu+ registered.
Copper Development Association Africa
The Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) has represented the
local copper industry in southern Africa since 1962 and now promotes copper
usage throughout Africa. The CDAA’s head office is based in Johannesburg
and, on behalf of its members, the organisation is committed to promoting and
expanding the use of copper and copper alloys throughout Africa.
Enquiries: Tel. 011 824 3916 or email
.
Visit
.
Health, safety, environment and quality
Electricity+Control
July ‘13
38
