Coronavirus 3d printing
SAFETY
First things first: SAFETY. Nothing I 3D print has any sort of verification or approval by medical professionals.
One of the popular 3D-printed respirator guides recommends using makeup pads, t-shirts, or napkins as filter material. It is highly unlikely that these materials will filter viral material. Please use caution when using any item you make as a safety device. While it probably won’t hurt, it may give a false sense of security that could be dangerous.
The FDA has issued some guidelines on 3D printing of medical devices that you should read if you are considering making your own medical devices.
3d printing mistakes could be your last when it comes to medical risks.
I have followed the GLIA project since they released a 3D-printed otoscope design. Their goal is to design low cost, 3D-printable medical devices that can be reused easily or recycled at very low cost. I’ve actually got the otoscope parts printed and just have to assemble them.
They have since then also designed a tourniquet, a stethoscope, and a COVID-19 face shield; in the future they plan to release designs for pulse oximeters, electrocardiograms, and dialysis units.
GLIA is selling the COVID-19 face shields on their online store for $10. They can be shipped to you or picked up from their London or Toronto locations.
Italy
Italy has been especially terrorized by COVID-19. They had to 3D print valves to save lives when the supply chain broke down and they couldn’t get them any other way. The STL file isn’t available for this valve nor has it been officially tested and validated but, at the end of the day, it’s going to work better than nothing during a shortage.
The original cost of this valve is $11,000 while the 3D printed cost is $3. It seems likely that the 3D printed version will go through official tests once this crisis is over.
If you’re interested in the redesign specifics you can find more info here:
Respirator-free reanimation: Venturi's valve for COVID-19
Respirator-free reanimation: Venturi's valve (rev. 4) files
Organizations are Coming Together to Help Where they Can
Western University producing low cost masks.
University of Florida is creating an Open source Ventilator Project, as is MIT.
Prusa Research admittedly manufactures my 3D printer but they are stepping up the plate:
They are producing hand sanitizer using the World Health Organization’s online plan.
The RC3 file of their face mask is out: you 3D print the head band and then use a transparency sheet as the shield.
They have also started a contest where people can submit their designs for practical, 3D-printed items.
Experimenting at Home
I got this Savegrabber Door Hook design from the Prusa site to use at work and never touched a door while I was there!
Approximate cost to produce: $0.21 + 1.5 hours
I also made myself a face mask. There are many designs available so I selected this one which requires a 3-hold punch to prepare the shield. I printed the head piece and used a 2 litre bottle for the shield.
Approximate cost to produce:
3D printing frame: $0.30 cents + 2 hours
2 litre bottle: recycled/free
Say Hi to my watermelon Arwen who very graciously decided to help model the shield.
Stay safe out there!