Army design from 1965 is being led by a group called Helpful Engineering. In the U.S., work on using 3D print to create an emergency ventilator system based on a U.S. Another group called BCN3D has designed something similar. The idea is that the solution helps get sick people off ventilators faster and provides – literal – breathing space before they need to be intubated.

Can 3D printing replace missing equipment?īeyond face protection, hospitals are also grappling with a severe shortage of ventilators, forcing them to find alternative ways to get air into desperate patients.ģD printing firms may offer some way to mitigate the lack of this essential equipment. Belgian 3D printing company Materialise has developed a 3D-printable device that transforms standard hospital equipment into a mask that can help coronavirus patients breathe. The equipment they are being called on to make includes protective face shields and masks, electrical syringe pumps, intubation equipment and respirator valves. In Paris, the University Hospital Trust has invested in 60 industrial-grade 3D printing systems that are situated inside the hospital where they print vital equipment on demand. 3D printing has already saved lives in Italy by replacing such components. The need for components exceeds demandĬomponents are invaluable to medical staff who are struggling to keep machines in action as they fail under the workload and official spare components become harder to source.Įven where replacement parts are available, closed borders, logistical and supply issues mean they may not reach you in time. This uses an innovative design that’s been made available for 3D printers everywhere at MakerBot. MakerBot has a host of 3D design patterns that may be of use, including nuts, bolts, vacuum replacements, face shields and more. If you’ve been wearing a mask, you’ll know how uncomfortable they can become for your ears. In Canada, a Boy Scout made headlines with his innovative 3D-printed ear guards, which help make face masks more comfortable to wear for hard-working frontline staff. Schools and students are also getting involved. In Moray, Scotland, one group is already churning out face visors for National Health Service (NHS) staff. “This genuinely makes a difference in the fight against the pandemic and I couldn’t be prouder of our teams working day and night on this.”ģD printing enthusiasts are also stepping up. Overnight, we have gone from making aerospace concepts to medical equipment,” said Alvaro Jara, Head of Airbus Protospace, in Getafe, Madrid. 'One of the reasons I love my job is the capability we have for advanced design and quick manufacture.

3d printing software for macbook air