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Automotive companies respond to COVID-19 AM Industry

by Business

Around the world, manufacturing companies from across many industries have mobilized their production resources to produce medical devices that are in urgent demand. In the automotive sector, we’ve noticed a trend amongst companies to leverage their additive manufacturing resources to support the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as parts for ventilators and respirators. In the following article, we’ll look at what some major automotive players are doing to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

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3D Printlife donates 4,000 kg of PLA for printing face shields AM Industry

by Business

American filament company 3D Printlife has announced it is donating 4,000 kg of PLA to support the production of 3D printed face shields for medical workers. The amount of material is expected to be enough to 3D print over 115,000 Prusa-designed face shields. As part of its effort, 3D Printlife is seeking makerspaces, fab labs, service bureaus and 3D printing experts to join its Life Support COVID-19 Support Center in order to connect them to 2,000 hospitals and medical centers.

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ŠKODA leverages in-house MJF to 3D print 60 respirator sets a day AM Industry

by Business

Czech automobile manufacture ŠKODA revealed that it is using its in-house Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing equipment to help in the production of respirators for front-line medical staff. Developed by the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) at the Czech Technical University, the respirator is designed to be reusable and could help protect doctors and nurses from COVID-19 exposure.

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Solvay supports COVID-19 efforts with materials expertise AM Industry

by Business

Belgian chemical company Solvay is leveraging its extensive expertise in thermoplastic materials—and especially medical-grade plastics—to support various efforts aimed at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The company announced this week that it has partnered with aerospace company Boeing to support its production of 3D printed face shields, and it is offering additional support to healthcare providers and other companies seeking to help.

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How 3D printed nasal swabs could support widespread COVID-19 testing AM Industry

by Medical

As has quickly become apparent in the fight against COVID-19, one of the critical factors in stemming the spread of the virus and understanding its reach is widespread testing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted testing in its guidance to governments, but on the ground many countries have struggled to scale up testing operations to the point required. One of the key inhibitors to adopting more broad testing is a lack of supplies, including test kits and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.