Laser cut gadgets designed by a team of engineers at the University of Sunderland’s Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) allow people to open doors without having to touch handles with their hands. The designs have been created initially to support a local care home provider for which AMAP are making 600 pieces using the University’s Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter.
Roger O’Brien, Head of AMAP said, ‘We are cutting these free of charge and only asking that material cost is covered, or materials are sent to us and we will cut. They could be cut in a range of materials. These handles attach to a lanyard and avoid touching door handles. One of our colleagues also pointed out that a pair could even be used to push a supermarket trolley.’
The AMAP team have shared their design and artwork files for others to use non-commercially if they would like to also support the efforts of preventing the spread of the coronavirus within their communities. The files can be easily resized and adapted for different door types and handle sizes.
In addition to the acrylic door openers manufactured using the Speedy 400 laser cutter, the team at AMAP have also developed a slightly different 3D printed design that can also be attached to doors to make it easier to open doors with a forearm.
AMAP is part of the University of Sunderland’s Faculty of Technology which combines expertise across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. To create their door openers, the university used 10mm acrylic and their new Speedy 400 laser engraving machine, with a 5cm (2 inch) lens.
The settings used will vary depending on your machine and the laser power available. If made from acrylic as in the examples the door opener is easy to clean. Simply wipe with and antibacterial wipe or wash with hot soapy water.
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