Team 3D prints a tool to open doors without using hands

Because door handles are among the most germ-ingested objects, a team at Materialise developed a tool that allows to open doors without using hands.

The easy-to-use openers do not require drilling holes or replacing doors’ handles. The tool is composed by two 3D printed pieces fasted together with screw over the existing handle. These door openers can get contaminates, just like the door handle, so they should be disinfected regularly.

The team developed and validated the product within 24 hours thanks to the 3D printing technology. They are sharing the design files worldwide to help the fight against COVID-19 spread. Indeed, experts believe that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for an extended time.

“The power of 3D printing in combination with Materialise’s three decades of 3D printing expertise made it possible to turn an idea into an innovative product in less than 24 hours,” says Fried Vancraen CEO of Materialise. “By making the design available digitally, it can be produced on 3D printers everywhere and become available around the world in a matter of hours. In this case, we designed the product in Belgium and people in China, Europe or the U.S. can now 3D print the door opener locally.”

A sticker was designed to be placed on doors with the openers. The sticker shows a basic illustration of how the device should be used.

Adapted from: https://www.materialise.com/en/hands-free-door-opener

More information: https://www.materialise.com/en/press-releases/3d-printing-technology-sup...

Instructions: https://www.materialise.com/en/hands-free-door-opener/technical-information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02n7Pd360JU&feature=emb_title