How will 3D technology help in the fight against the Coronavirus? A good example of what can happen when a few technically-minded people work together is the open project started by well-known entrepreneurs. It is a prototype design of a mechanical ventilator, which was made from 3D-, using readily available and inexpensive materials. The prototype was designed and built in just seven days, after the project was presented on Facebook and attracted participation from about 300 engineers, medical professionals and researchers.
The prototype will now go through the approval process with the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE), the official health authority in Ireland. Initially, the HSE will validate the prototype for use in Ireland only. However, the project also aims to reach countries with high needs or low incomes.
Equipment in the US could also face shortages, depending on how the coronavirus in the country. On Wednesday, the White House approved legislation that gives the president authority to redirect materials and production capacity to private companies to manufacture needed supplies and equipment during a crisis.
During a briefing on the current COVID-19, US Vice President Mike Pence said that there are only 10,000 ventilators in the country's strategic stockpile. With that number, while not including hospital stocks, the country will likely not be able to meet its overall needs for much longer.
This project, therefore, could help address the shortage, together with automobile manufacturers such as GM, Ford and Tesla, which will also produce mechanical breathing support equipment in case the country's needs increase.
The team behind the project also recently changed the name of the project’s Facebook from “Open Source Ventilator Project” to “Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies community.” The team wants to attract more participation in the project, with the goal of 3D printing other equipment that is in short supply, such as masks, sanitizers, and face shields for frontline healthcare workers.
