Additive Manufacturing Can Assist in the Fight Against COVID-19 and Other Pandemics and Impact on the Global Supply Chain
Eneko Larrañeta, Juan Domínguez‐Robles, Dimitrios A. Lamprou
Abstract
The high demand on medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 crisis left millions of health care professionals unprotected in the middle of this situation, as governments around the world were not prepared for such pandemic. The three-dimensional printing (3DP) community, from universities to 3DP enthusiasts with printers at home, was there to support hospitals from day 1 on this demand by providing PPE and other medical supplies (e.g., face shields and valves for respiratory machines). This editorial covers the importance of 3DP in the fight against COVID-19 and how this can be used to tackle potential pandemics and support the supply chain.
Topics & Concepts
PandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Face shieldSupply chainPersonal protective equipment2019-20 coronavirus outbreakBusinessSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Supply and demandHealth careMarketingMedicineEconomic growthEconomicsVirologyMicroeconomicsDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyInfection Control and VentilationHealthcare and Environmental Waste ManagementDental Research and COVID-19