3D Printing’s protective gear for protection from coronavirus outbreak

Posted on March 28, 2020 Updated on March 20, 2023

3D printing technology has been used in various ways to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak, including producing protective gear such as face shields, masks, and respirator parts. The main advantage of 3D printing is the ability to rapidly prototype and produce customized products, making it an ideal solution for creating medical equipment during a pandemic.

The face shield is one of the most popular 3D-printed protective gear for the COVID-19 outbreak. A face shield is a piece of clear plastic that covers the entire face, protecting the eyes, nose, and mouth from respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. The face shield can be produced using a 3D printer and a laser cutter to cut the plastic to size. The headband is also 3D printed, making it easy to produce large quantities quickly.

Another protective gear item that can be 3D printed is the mask. Several designs are available online, ranging from simple masks with replaceable filters to more complex models with multiple layers of filtration. These masks can be produced using various materials, including plastic, silicone, and rubber.

While 3D printing has been an effective way to produce protective gear during the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to note that not all 3D-printed items are suitable for medical use. It’s essential to follow strict quality control procedures and ensure that the materials used are safe and effective for their intended use. Additionally, any 3D-printed medical equipment must be tested and approved by regulatory authorities before it can be used in a clinical setting.

As reported by NPR News, Cornell, and Boston University School of Medicine researchers, students, and professors have teamed up with community members to create about 400 face shields. Kuceyeski and Lee M. Wetzler delivered that first pallet of 3D-printed protective gear to two health care facilities Friday. The group’s first shipment contained a mix of headband-like clips that health care workers attach a plastic shield to, and the plastic visors themselves. The shields, in combination with an N-95 face mask, shelter medical workers from airborne droplets that can carry the coronavirus.

One Way to Help Strapped Hospitals? Print PPE Using 3D Printers

One Way to Help Strapped Hospitals? Print PPE Using 3D Printers