The 3D printing community’s fight against the corona-virus

Companies, individuals, organisations and communities from all across the additive manufacturing industry are coming together to help combat the Covid-19 crisis. It is encouraging and inspiring to see the numerous initiatives, work groups, and knowledge sharing going on in the community.

Some of the great initiatives are

The Mobility Goes Additive network has set up a 3D Printing pandemic task force to find ways the technology can be utilized in the fight against the pandemic.

HP is mobilizing their capabilities and machines to print ventilator valves, breathing filters, face mask clasps and door handle adapters to allow opening doors with your elbow.

Materialise has created a freely available 3D print design for door handle add-on that lets you open the door with your elbow.

Several individuals and organisations on social media are offering their expertise, help and facilities to help develop and print parts that will potentially be required by the healthcare systems around the world. Examples:

• Individual offering his research group’s metal and polymer 3D printing systems up for printing necessary parts
• This public Google Sheet, which was set up to gather makers from around the world, to provide their advice, services and other help. In just four days, nearly 3000 makers or AM professionals have joined the list.

Ricoh has offered to produce vital components for ventilators

Christian Fracassi, founder and CEO of Isinnova, printing respirator parts for hospitals for free, to help keep coronavirus patients alive.

This list is far from exhaustive, as so many initiatives are happening daily!

What other great initiatives have you seen out there to help combat the corona-virus?