The crisis created by the pandemic has led to increased demand for a series of medical products that can also be obtained through 3D printing.
From protective masks and gowns to sample collection items to ventilators, there is a shortage of medical products that doctors need to care for patients. Because the demand is very high, the supply does not live up to expectations. Thus, in many states, including Romania, there is a shortage of medical equipment to treat patients with COVID-19 and more.
In this case, a number of companies and initiatives come to the aid of doctors and patients, and one of the most effective solutions seems to be the 3D printing of products that will save the lives of patients who need them.
The examples where 3D printing is useful are multiple
We also have examples in Romania. The project initiated by the FabLab Association and FormWerk, joined by 50 other people who own 3D printers. They produce 3D printed visors based on a design created by a Czech 3D printing company. The initiative has been approved by the Ministry of Health and, after they are ready, the visors will be able to be used in any hospitals in the country.
There is already a famous case in Italy. Due to the large number of patients, Italy is also facing a shortage of medical equipment. Among other things, doctors also need valves. These are used for ventilators that patients need and are essentially the link between oxygen masks and ventilators used for patients with respiratory problems.
An Italian startup has identified a way to help patients infected with the new virus, by 3D printing these valves, at a much more advantageous price than the manufacturer sells them. Typically, a medical device manufacturer needs $11,000 to manufacture a valve. Instead, Isinnova managed to create a perfect 3D replica of them for the price of a single dollar.
We also have examples in the US. Typically, the American company Formlabs sells 3D printers, it does not deal with printing products. However, in the context of the pandemic, it has announced that it will dedicate 250 of the printers in its Ohio factory to 3D print 100,000 objects used for collecting samples: those objects shaped like ear sticks used to take the samples that are to be tested.
We can also add to the list other objects obtained from 3D printing that will help patients suffering from COVID-19: Prisma Health is 3D printing mechanisms called VESper (extensions that allow a single ventilator to help four patients with respiratory problems).