Volunteers with 3D printers are joining forces to fight against the spread of coronavirus across Spain by creating medical gear for health care workers.
“Coronavirus Makers”: Thousands of 3D print owners voluntarily create equipment for hospitals
In response to the shortage of medical supplies in the Spanish healthcare industry, scores of 3D print owners, and small printer suppliers from all over the country have set up a network to voluntarily provide emergency-use ventilators, and protective visors to doctors, and nurses on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
The army of volunteers, known as “Coronavirus Makers”, has already supplied 425.000 face shields to different hospitals, and elderly care centers.
The 3D printing enthusiasts are using a tested open-source design for manufacturing plastic visors, and ventilators.
The ‘makers’ can download the prototype from Coronavirus Maker’s website.
Over 15,000 volunteers making 3D-printing medical and protective equipment against coronavirus
In just a few days, the initiative has spread to several cities across Spain (and the world!).
Nowadays, there are over 15,000 Spanish Coronavirus Makers racing to develop DIY ventilators, components for masks, and visors for medial staff.
Volunteers use Telegram channels to share information, and coordinate logistics and supplies.
Regional groups have been created to organize the work, and distribution by areas.
FabLab Sant Cugat, a small-scale digital fabrication laboratory where locals can design, create, and transform ideas into tangible protypes by using 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital technology, is one of those ‘makers’ taking part in the initiative.
The team is currently producing, and delivering an average of 200 face shields per day with the support of volunteers. Their production is increasing at a rapid pace.
The protective equipment is being distributed to the local hospital, markets, supermarkets, pharmacies, and retirement centers.
FabLab Sant Cugat has been working alongside the Catalan company Protofy.xyz to produce a new series of emergency ventilator devices called OxyGen.
The laboratory was responsible of laser-cutting one of the OxyGen prototypes.
OxyGEN has already been approved by the AEMPS, the Spanish Agency for Medicines, and Health Products.
Do you have a 3D printer, and want to give a hand during the coronavirus crisis? Click here to join the Coronavirus Makers movement.
