Czech mask has a European certification, it has also sparked interest abroad
Praha, June 18, 2020 – Protective half mask RP95-M, whose production is overseen by the research and development centre CARDAM, has obtained a European certification. Thanks to this, the mask has become an interesting export item and has already attracted attention of NATO or the US Navy.
In response to the lack of personal medical devices during the coronavirus pandemic, experts from the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) of the Czech Technical University designed a half mask for 3D printing in March in a single week. Subsequently, with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, several dozen Czech companies joined forces and began mass production of the half masks on injection molding machines.
“The technologically demanding preparation of molds was completed within a few weeks, we prepared the entire production logistics in a month. Production began after Easter, then we delivered the first five thousand masks to the Ministry of Health. And on June 10, 2020, the mask received a full European certification, “ said Ondřej Kurkin, CEO of the centre CARDAM. This is a joint venture of Česká zbrojovka Group, Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and the company BENEŠ and LÁT.
The half mask has obtained the European certification according to the standard EN 140:1999/AC:1999. This certification will enable a much wider use of the mask, which will become a protective aid with a great export potential. “In practice, this means that the RP95-M half mask with a replaceable P3 filter provides the highest level of protection and meets the same or higher level of protection as the sophisticated class FFP3 respirator, “ explained Kurkin during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic on Wednesday, June 17, on the occasion of obtaining full certification.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček highlighted the mutual cooperation of Czech companies. “I am extremely pleased with the success of this purely Czech respirator, in which a number of domestic entities participated. Once again, it turned out that Czech innovative solutions have a global potential and that we can be innovative and self-sufficient even in tense situations. It also turns out that targeted and fast help is of great importance, we supported the 3D printing of the respirator from the Czech Rise Up program, which we created at our ministry in a record time, “he added.
Scientists from ČVUT, which was at the very beginning of the mask’s development, provided data for 3D printing free of charge to the whole world. So far, 89 institutions from a total of 31 countries have downloaded the files. The versatility of the solution and the speed of development of the mask were also appreciated by the US Navy.
Many protective measures have been developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but the RP95-M respirator is extraordinary in its success. The certification it has obtained is recognized in the European Union and many other countries. In addition, the respirator can be used repeatedly thanks to proven sterilization and disinfection procedures.
About CARDAM
CARDAM, s. r. o., is a unique research and development centre that focuses on the implementation of new technically and technologically advanced solutions and products using additive metal production. CARDAM provides applied research and development services, a complete engineering solution for creating new applications and manufacturing processes, helping companies create the necessary knowledge and know-how in the new area of additive design and manufacturing. Additive design and production are among the most important technological directions developed worldwide in the framework of the “Industrial Revolution 4.0”.