EN 676 Knurled Knobs Antibacterial Plastic, Ergostyle®, with Tapped Insert

Handles and operating elements can act as carriers for many pathogens. With every hand contact, bacteria and germs take hold on the surface where they can proliferate unchecked over time, such as between two cleaning cycles. If one or more people later touch the same part, the expanded growth of pathogens has the opportunity to spread even further.

The antibacterial standard parts of the Sanline product family can prevent bacteria and germs from propagating on an operating element, actively reducing their spread and preventing bacterial illnesses that could otherwise result.

Two different active principles can be found in the Sanline product family: Plastic standard parts with additives based on silver ions and metal standard parts with a powder coating based on zinc molybdate. Both principles destroy the cell walls of the microorganisms, causing them to die. The antibacterial effectiveness is retained for a long time, even after frequent cleaning cycles, and is absolutely safe for the user.

With their antibacterial properties, the Sanline operating elements are predestined for areas with elevated hygiene requirements. These include doctors’ offices, hospitals, rehabilitation and care facilities as well as cafeterias, food-processing plants, and agricultural operations with livestock. Sanline products also reduce the risk of infection in locations where many different people come into contact with handles and operating elements, such as in stadiums and concert halls, amusement parks and wellness facilities as well as on public transport.

Plastics manufactured with silver ions inhibit the establishment and proliferation of bacteria and germs on the surface. The effect is based on a natural principle and remains continuously effective for a long time.
Silver ions (Ag⁺) diffuse from the plastic surface and attach to the cell walls of the microbe. After a short time, the silver ions break through the cell wall of the microbe and destroy the enzyme activity within the cell. The genetic material of the microbe is attacked, preventing further cell division and eventually killing off the germ.

The antibacterial effect of the additive is not reduced by repeated cleaning with soap or solvent. Even at sterilization temperatures of up to 266 °F (130 °C), the effect is not lost.

Sanline standard parts have been tested successfully according to ISO 22196:2011-08 “Plastics – Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces.”
The antibacterial effect was demonstrated on the following test microbes:

The testing and confirmation was performed by the accredited testing laboratory CSI S.p.A.

Typical standard part
Microorganism proliferation in a period of 24 h

Sanline standard part
Microorganism reduction in a period of 24 h