Last week, President Trump enacted the Defense Production Act (DPA), which enables the federal government to direct companies to prioritize production for the benefit of national defense. While the DPA has not been fully leveraged, many companies around the nation have stepped to the plate to produce various items that fall under the general category of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) masks and N95 respirators.
As the degree of positive tests for coronavirus continues to climb and the death toll has surpassed the 1,000 mark in the United States (as of Thursday afternoon) – including the first under-18 victim in Los Angeles county, in which COVID-19 may have exacerbated an underlying condition – various companies are bringing sweat and creativity to the foreground. And one technology that has offered great but largely unrealized potential from a broad practicality standpoint is now getting its chance to shine: 3D printing.
According to CNN, health care professionals in Montana are using 3D printers to create reusable plastic facemasks. The ear loops and plastic apparatus are static, and users cut normal surgical masks into small squares, which are then fitted into the plastic apparatus to serve as a filter. These square filters can be used for a full day, while the plastic portion can be cleaned with soap, water, bleach and other disinfecting products.
Dusty Richardson, a neurosurgeon at the Billings Clinic, told CNN that health care workers can get six to 10 uses out of a single surgical mask. Richardson teamed with a local dentist and his son to design the mask. Local high schools and universities are making use of their 3D printers to produce the masks, which take a few hours to print, CNN reported.
Medical Parts
There are numerous other examples of 3D being leveraged to aid in the battle against COVID-19, including some in our industry’s back yard. ImageNet Consulting of Oklahoma City has teamed with Ultimaker in its quest to provide 3D printing services to hospitals experiencing shortages of medical parts.
Through Ultimaker’s two-part initiative, hospitals with pre-approved 3D print designs and material specifications will connect with 3D design experts, 3D hubs and resellers like ImageNet Consulting to print medical parts.
Ultimaker’s team of expert designers and application engineers will also work with hospitals without pre-approved designs to design and create needed medical parts. Once designed, parts will be sent to the nearest 3D print hub for printing. Printed parts will then be sent to the hospital for testing and final approval before use.
For its part, ImageNet Consulting’s Dallas facility, home to the company’s largest cache of 3D printers, is serving as a hub for hospitals in the region to request 3D printed medical parts.
“ImageNet is grateful to have a partner like Ultimaker who’s focused on something bigger than business in this difficult time,” said TJ Russell, ImageNet’s director of 3D Printing. “We are thankful to be part of this initiative and hope that this helps save lives during the process.
“In terms of technology, 3D printing is very special. We believe it is something that all businesses and institutions will use one day. This initiative proves how important it is that we get 3D printing technology into more hands.”
Critical Components
Palo Alto, California-based HP and its global digital manufacturing community are mobilizing their 3D printing teams, technology, expertise and production capacity to help deliver critical parts as part of the COVID-19 battle.
More than 1,000 3D printed parts have already been delivered to local hospitals. HP’s 3D R&D centers in Barcelona, Spain; Corvallis, Oregon; San Diego and Vancouver, Washington are collaborating with partners around the world in a coordinated effort to increase production to meet the most urgent needs. Initial applications being validated and finalized for industrial production include face masks, face shields, mask adjusters, nasal swabs, hands-free door openers, and respirator parts. HP is also coordinating with government, health, and industry agencies in numerous countries to ensure a synchronized and effective approach.
“HP and our digital manufacturing partners are working non-stop in the battle against this unprecedented virus. We are collaborating across borders and industries to identify the parts most in need, validate the designs, and begin 3D printing them,” said Enrique Lores, president and CEO, HP Inc. “Our deepest appreciation goes to our employees, partners, customers, and members of our community for their tireless efforts to support the medical professionals making a difference on the front lines.”
HP’s global network of manufacturing partners is working to ensure that the 3D printed parts are available in any region around the world. Some of the first applications being validated and produced include:
Hands-Free Door Opener: Door handles are among the most germ-infested objects in houses, hospitals, factories, and elderly homes. This adapter allows for easy and more sanitary opening with an elbow.
Mask Adjuster: Many hospital staff are required to wear masks for long periods of time. This clasp is designed to improve comfort and alleviate associated ear pain.
Face Shields: Face shields are one of the highest-need personal protection items. Brackets to hold the shield and comfortably fit the wearer are a critical component.
Many more applications are in the testing and validation phase and are expected to begin production soon, including:
Field Ventilator: 3D printed parts for a mechanical bag valve mask (BVM) that is designed for use as short-term emergency ventilation of COVID-19 patients. This simplified design enables a robust and less-complex device, facilitating its rapid production and assembly.
FFP3 Face Masks: Effective protective gear is needed for medical providers to treat the volume of expected COVID-19 patients. HP is validating several hospital-grade face masks and expects them to be available shortly.
HP and its partners will be making the validated design files for many of the parts that do not require complex assembly freely available at this website for download. 3D designers and innovators who wish to join the battle against COVID-19 can contribute new applications and ideas at this website.
Individuals who need support for application development or would like to order parts can submit their requests here.
This is obviously a brief snapshot that only scratches at the surface of the impact the virus has visited on our business lives and is only intended to provide perspective. We hope to share more stories and insight into the office technology business climate, so please email me if you would like to share what you are seeing in the market. Our aim is to keep readers as informed as possible concerning the intended and unintended consequences of the mass shutdowns. Anonymity will be provided upon request. We wish all of our readers the best of luck in their business endeavors, and above all, stay healthy and safe.
