Posts in category: Business

CECIMO, as the European association for additive manufacturing, was requested by the European Commission to address its membership and query if it would be able to aid in producing equipment (for instance, valves or ventilators) that hospitals are lacking due to the COVID19 outbreak in Europe. This is how CECIMO fights COVID-19 In this moment of public health emergency as the healthcare sector is facing unprecedented challenges. In particular, the virus outbreak is causing severe shortages of critical medical equipment in hospitals or limited access to essential pieces, in particular valves or ventilators.

As a result of 3dpbm’s call for help to AM companies providing resources to help fight COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Zahid Fedial, an ER Doctor at the Aljawda hospital in Sudan, reached out to ask for support with respirators. The crisis in the African nation seems to be already much worse than thought. Africa had so far appeared to be somewhat immune to the spread of the virus but it seems that statistics may have been dramatically affected by lack of testing.

One of the biggest dangers in the current Covid-19 pandemic is that the coronavirus that causes it can live for long periods of time on metal and plastic surfaces. This means that anything you touch with your hand – including handles – can bring the virus one step close to your eyes or mouth, and overcome your natural defenses. 3D printing technology may lend a hand: Materialise, a Belgium-based pioneer in 3D printing has designed a 3D printed door opener that makes it possible to open and close doors with your arm, removing the need for direct contact with door handles. The company is offering the printable design for free and calling upon the global 3D printing community to 3D print the door opener and make it available all around the world.