Quick assistance for clinics

3D print pattern of the eyeglass temples made from PLA and PC. (© Fraunhofer IPA)

3D printing of the eyeglass temples in a stack for a higher batch size. (© Hänssler GmbH)

Medical safety glasses, dispensers for disinfectants, and ventilators from 3D printers – experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation IPA are assisting with their technical expertise in the fight against the Corona pandemic.

Many consumables are currently in short supply in hospitals, not just face masks. Rapid help is needed. The Mannheim project group for automation in medicine and biotechnology PAMB, a branch of Fraunhofer IPA, is familiar with the problems because they work daily with medical professionals. Their workplace is right on the grounds of the Mannheim university hospital, and directly outside their window, a Corona testing station was set up. The medical technology technicians of the project group offered their help to the doctors in an unbureaucratic manner.

Protective glasses are in short supply

Above all, protective glasses are missing – a mass-produced item for single use. They resemble welding goggles and consist of a frame and a transparent plastic shield. There is no shortage of shields in the hospital, but frames were a bottleneck. Even though these plastic parts are not high-tech products, they must meet certain quality standards – everyday work for the IPA scientists, as they are familiar with risk assessments and guidelines in medical technology.

A prototype was soon developed, manufactured, and tested for its suitability for use in the hospital: it proved to be sterilizable and caused no skin irritations. Shortly thereafter, they were able to present an initial sample to the doctors. The sample was very well received, and the hospital requested 500 pieces. But that was not so easy. Although the project group has some 3D printers capable of producing such plastic parts, these devices can only produce about 20 frames per day, even if running around the clock. The Mannheim company Hänssler Kunststoff- und Dichtungstechnik GmbH stepped in to help. Over the weekend, it produced an initial batch, which has since been delivered and is now in use at the university hospital. If other hospitals need supplies, the project group can also assist there.

Dispenser for disinfectants from the printer

This project was not the end of their efforts. The project group is also involved in procuring dispensers for disinfectants. The neighboring chemical company BASF supplies enough disinfectant, but dispensers are now scarce. Here too, the Fraunhofer staff produced a sample and will manufacture 100 to 150 units.

DIY ventilator

The Corona pandemic still occupies the project group, which now works largely from home. Coordinated by Fraunhofer, they aim to develop an alternative emergency ventilator within a few weeks. It should be made from suitable materials that are still readily available during the crisis, and from components that are easy to produce, so it can be quickly deployed in regions with a lack of ventilation capacity. The goal is to have the documentation for a ready-to-use device by the end of April and to make it available along with training materials.