The current COVID-19 crisis has affected many industries across the world. While these challenges have been intimidating, 3D printing has provided many solutions to help save lives.

One problem that has been faced in many countries is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). The closure of factories due to quarantine orders and the sudden rise in demand for this equipment strained traditional PPE manufacturing methods. Hospitals needed vital PPE for healthcare workers much sooner than it could be delivered.

Here is where 3D printing stepped up. Local 3D printing tech start ups and universities began printing face shields and oxygen masks. The ability of 3D printers to be utilized to manufacture almost anything that can fit in their print area allowed PPE designs to be uploaded and printed within hours. The close proximity to hospitals and other care centers put this equipment in the hands of healthcare providers much quicker than transporting them from large factories would have.

This is also the case with ventilators. 3D printers have been used to manufacture ventilator parts and adapt existing ventilators for use for more patients. 

The localized nature of 3D printers has been very helpful, allowing for adjustments to be made on the fly as well as shortening the supply chain. In the fluid and evolving situation of the pandemic, this has likely saved lives and helped contain the infection in many situations. 

At Jawstec, we are proud to be a part of an industry that is making such a huge difference in these strange and difficult times. We have been assisting out local healthcare workers by 3D-printing masks to help keep them safe as they help treat our community. As more and more 3D printing companies work to develop PPE and other medical equipment, we have been tracking their developments and research. To see how we can help you, please reach out to us.