International cooperation is the name of the game in handling COVID-19, and Taiwan is helping develop simple hacks to solve global equipment shortages. After Italian engineers found a way to make vital respiratory components with 3-D printers, the models are being developed by Taiwan’s National Medical Defense Center. Using the technology, everyday items like snorkeling masks can be repurposed as medical equipment. A photopolymer is transformed into a template by the 3-D printer. Once printed, it’s taken out to cool down and set.
The printer uses UV light to cure resin. After one hour, the product comes out. It’s a connector for respiratory devices.
With infections spiraling in Europe, Italy fell fatally short of components for respiratory devices at the peak of the epidemic. An engineer then found way to make these connectors with a 3-D printer, allowing a snorkeling mask to be connected to a filter system, and used as protective equipment by medical professionals. The technology is now being used in Taiwan.
The gray connector on this snorkeling mask was 3-D printed by the National Defense Medical Center. They got hold of the Italian models via an online platform. Just 14 days later their version is ready to be used on hospital wards.
Chu Hsiu-chun
Respiratory medicine expert
The equipment situation is very severe overseas. So first we’re investigating how these devices can be used, if they are used. And then beyond that, we’re doing tests to see if they can conform to safety and legal standards so they can be used in the medical system.
Chen Chia-en
National Defense Medical Center
We’ve printed many models that are being used overseas. We’ve asked our colleagues in hospitals to do tests. We’ll be able to share what those tests find with people overseas. I just hope we can prove that “Taiwan can help, Taiwan is helping.”
The center has also used 3-D printers to print plastic visors like these. That should allow more resources to go to those who really need them. It’s efforts like these that will mean Taiwan can not only handle its own outbreak, but also reach out to support others in need.
0 Comments