The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is exhausting resources for healthcare institutions and in an unprecedented effort, government leaders are asking corporations and individuals to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare providers. Many 3D printing services are stepping up to provide safe and effective designs, and products to meet these demands. Tsoi Kobus Design's Mike Bennett interviewed Chris Scull with Delta-Design, a 3D printing and conceptual design firm based in Miami, about the strategic partnerships emerging to help institutions fight COVID-19.

Developments in 3D printing allow individuals to rapidly transform an idea into reality. Objects once prohibitively expensive to acquire and difficult to produce—such as bionic hands and prosthetic limbs—are now 3D printed faster and at lower costs. 3D printing firms, such as Delta-Design, are pivoting from printing these complex products to produce PPE. Products include:

1. Hands-free Door Openers: operated using an elbow or forearm to prevent bacteria spread via doorknobs.
2. Face Shields: multiple design options allow a 3D printed visor to hold a standard 8.5x11" sheet of acetate and a three-hole punch.
3. Face Mask Elastic Holder: relieve the pressure of face mask elastic on ears caused by the prolonged wearing of PPE.
4. Molds for Mass Production: create 3D printed molds to be utilized for mass production.

Tsoi Kobus Design is working with Delta-Design to produce these items for our healthcare clients and researched various 3D production methods to understand the material and its practical application. As an example, Polylactic acid (PLA), is a vegetable-based bioplastic on which bacteria can grow. Our team recommends printing PPE using polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) plastic, a bacteria resistant, readily-available industrial plastic suitable for most 3D printers. Unlike other industrial plastics, PETG does not require an industrial 3D printer or specialized ventilation for use.

If you are interested in producing PPE, please contact your local healthcare institution to understand their needs and materials requirements.

For more information on Delta-Design visit deltacreate.com