Covid-19: 3D printing, a weapon to fight virus
The pioneering surgical procedure using 3D-printed middle ear bones in 2019 made international news.
The need for medical supplies such as face masks, respirators and ventilators prompted action from the 3D printing community to ensure sufficient supply to deal with Covid-19.
From specialised masks to various breathing apparatus, 3D printing is helping people to think out of the box and share their designs for free in the hope that it will help lower the infection rate.
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Brian Andrew, managing director for RS Components in Sub Sahara Africa, said there has been a significant increase in interest in 3D printers in recent years.
“The 3D printing phenomena has infiltrated almost every industry.
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“Last year’s pioneering surgical procedure using 3D-printed middle ear bones, developed by Prof Mashudu Tshifularo and his team at the University of Pretoria (UP) made headlines globally,” he said.
He said countries are seeing their healthcare systems overloaded and fatigued by Covid-19.
Andrew said in severe cases, infected patients may require specialist ventilators to take over the role of the lungs.
“These ventilators are in short supply along with masks and other preventative and safety gear.
“This shortage of essential equipment has united design engineers and makers in the 3D printing community who have already responded to the global crisis by volunteering their respective skills to ease the pressure on manufacturers, healthcare providers and governments,” said Andrew.
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