3D Printing May Help Save the Healthcare System

Many companies race to keep up with the demands for healthcare PPE and equipment, and they’re using a once-futuristic technology: 3D printing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant desperate times for healthcare workers and medical centers across the country—especially in areas hard hit by the virus. While hospitals and healthcare workers struggle to find enough protective equipment—like masks, face shields, respirators and more—other industries have really struggled. Workers in nursing homes, post offices, Amazon warehouses and more are also struggling.

While the Trump administration is trying to boost its production of equipment across seas, a coalition of companies has pursued another solution to the problem: 3D printers.

Just this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) airlifted millions of gloves, 130,000 N95 masks, 1.7 million surgical masks” and more into New York to help healthcare facilities. Twenty-two similar shipments will occur over the next few weeks and deliver supplies to locations across the country.

It is somewhat uplifting to see how many groups are working to help supply healthcare workers with what they need, and 3D printing has proven incredibly valuable. According to one Forbes article, here are some of the 3D printing operations making the biggest impact—and how you can help.

Among some of the biggest contributors are: HP Printing, Portland 3D Printing Lab Facebook Group, Artisan’s Asylum, NIH 3D Print Exchange and others.

The Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies (OSCMS) group has a 12-page document that summarizes the current state of COVID-19, risks with community-based designs, safety, and other concerns for the open source effort. OSCMS also links to this Design That Matters Face Shield document in partnership with Spark Health Design, loaded with relevant references for product requirements, regulatory and human factors for PPE models and more.

While times are uncertain and stressful right now, people are helping people and technology like 3D printing is helping to save lives.

Product Showcase

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars