Additive manufacturing against the Covid-19 pandemic: a technological model for the adaptability and networking

Abstract

This investigation analyzes the main contributions that additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides to the world in fighting against the pandemic COVID-19 from a materials and applications perspective. With this aim, different sources, which include academic reports, initiatives, and industrial companies, have been systematically analyzed. The AM technology applications include protective masks, mechanical ventilator parts, social distancing signage, and parts for detection and disinfection equipment (Ju, 2020). There is a substantially increased number of contributions from AM technology to this global issue, which is expected to continuously increase until a sound solution is found. The materials and manufacturing technologies in addition to the current challenges and opportunities were analyzed as well. These contributions came from a lot of countries, which can be used as a future model to work in massive collaboration, technology networking, and adaptability, all lined up to provide potential solutions for some of the biggest challenges the human society might face in the future.

Keywords: 3D printing; Additive manufacturing; Coronavirus; Covid-19.

Fig. 1

Additive manufacturing has been a symbol of the manufacturing industry for supporting the pandemic.

Fig. 2

Number of publications found in the consulted databases.

Fig. 3

a) Face shield (HxS) b) Ventilator connector c) Clips for alternative face shield (HxS) d) face mask strap [27].

Fig. 4

Flowchart showing the general overview of the strategy for AM supporting COVID-19.

Fig. 5

Proportion of articles reviewed according to the proposed classification.

Fig. 6

Articles published in recent years in 3DP in different areas.