Ventilator Valves
Keep an eye on this topic:
https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/3d-printed-valves-covid-19-italy/
I would certainly be willing to print 100 valves or so if it would help.
Multiply that by 100,000 printer owners - and you start to get some real production.
If SETI could crowd source looking for aliens - we can do it here to help each other.
RE: Ventilator Valves
Saw this a couple of days ago, nice idea, but our FDM printers would not be able to print sterile enough for medical use like this application, but maybe less sterile applications, then yes.
Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.
RE: Ventilator Valves
From the article:
"Fracassi delivered a 3D printer directly to the hospital and was able to redesign and produce a new valve piece within just six hours.
The valves were printed using a filament extrusion system on location at the hospital. This involved pelting plastic wire and depositing it layer-by-layer to make the final product."
Sure sounds like our printers.
RE: Ventilator Valves
I'm pretty sure they can autoclave PETG to sterilize - but in the grand scheme of things I have to defer to the big guys in the US right now. I would pack up my printers in a heartbeat for something like this, but I just read GM and Tesla are offering to convert full production lines over WW2 style to ventilator manufacturing. I can't keep up with that on any scale. Personally I think that the shield Prusa is working on, or some of the masks with cotton filters could be a great thing to print and donate to smaller places like nursing homes, dentists, or any customer-facing industry.
EDIT: I'm sure Tesla would operate on a global scale.......not so sure about GM
Is your printer grinding? Bearings squeaking? Motors smoking?
Step 1) Wash your Steel Sheet
Step 2) Return to Step 1
RE: Ventilator Valves
Well everyone - keep an eye one this to see if there is anything useful we can do.
I do consider us a resource.
I would love to see Elon get into it. He is also a resource.
RE: Ventilator Valves
He could stick all the politicians into a rocket......
Sorry, No politics, I just couldn't help myself.
Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.
RE: Ventilator Valves
Medical devices are getting some traction in our community:
RE: Ventilator Valves
And another:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/588206271767058/?hc_location=ufi
RE: Ventilator Valves
Are these only reasons why SLS PA12 valve is confirmed safe for medicine use unlike FDM ones?
- Due superior SLS printed surface unlike FDM layerlines (prone to virus/bacteria growth)?
- Due PA12 more advanced thermal and chemical properties (offer successful sterilization and disinfection)?
PS. Can this FDA research of 3d printed objects be viable for medicine purposes too?
There is worth to mention "Antibacterial PLACTIVE" filament too. https://shop3duniverse.com/products/copper3d-plactive-an1-antibacterial-pla#v19267716710454
RE: Ventilator Valves
@nilok
PETG can probably be sterilized using gas sterilization that is commonly available in hospitals...no need to autoclave.
RE: Ventilator Valves
@pierre-l9
Check reseach video above, almost non of the FDM prints can have antibacterial properties (except special filaments) hence layer surface
RE: Ventilator Valves
The same guys of the raspirator valve (1st post) have recently hacked a popular off-shelf snorkeling mask, in order to use as a replacment CPAP mask.
https://www.isinnova.it/easy-covid19/
these mask are currently tested in nearby local hospital
A network of hospital/makers is also starting...hppe to help in this situtaion
Paolo