In late February, NEC launched the application of "Dr. HardoLass EX." This glass-coating agent with the original "H-shield technology" of HardoLass Co., Ltd. (HardoLass Holdings) inactivates bacteria and viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, on computers used for business and educational purposes.
NEC has signed an exclusive contract with HardoLass Co., Ltd. to apply this coating on computers. In the future, the company plans to apply the coating on 100,000 units per year for users in various industries.
Currently, computers used for various purposes are typically disinfected by wiping them with alcohol or other solutions. However, the materials that can be applied on computers are limited. Furthermore, this disinfection approach can hinder work, as computers need to be frequently wiped.
This computer-coating service can be performed at the equipment center by workers certified by NEC. Alternatively, workers can visit the user's location and apply it on site. In either case, the service is also available for computers produced by companies other than NEC, and the coating agent can be applied on both newly purchased computers and computers currently being used.
The coating agent reacts with moisture in the air to form a high-purity glass film when applied on a material that does not soak the agent, such as plastic. This approach is expected to protect computers from dirt and scratches and inactivate viruses and bacteria adhering to the glass coating. However, the company states that the service does not completely prevent viral infections, and they do not assume responsibility if the person using a coated computer contracts an infectious disease.
The service at the equipment center costs 400,000 yen for a pack of 100 units and 80,000 yen for an additional pack of 20 units. The cost of the on-site service ranges from 194,000 yen for a pack of 20 to 580,000 yen for a pack of 100 units.
This coating material has been ISO certified with respect to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, evaluation by the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center confirmed 99.9% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 titer 24 hours after application.
Analysis conducted by HardoLass Co., Ltd. confirmed that the applied glass film lasts for up to 5 years.
Provided by NEC
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