Italian engineers support the fight against the COVID-19 virus by 3D printing valves to medical equipment

Although the COVID-19 Coronavirus is wreaking havoc all over the world, today no country suffers from it more than Italy. Only yesterday, nearly 2,800 new infections were found and 175 people died. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the epidemic is already 1,441 people. Italy is closed and paralyzed – according to the government’s decision, all bars, restaurants, shops and service outlets are closed as part of measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. Only food stores, necessities and pharmacies are open.

At the same time, the spirit of the inhabitants remains alive and unbroken. Social media circulate moving recordings that show how the people of Italy sing on balconies and windows to encourage themselves during the epidemic. Everyone tries to help using the available tools and skills. A fantastic example is the story of cooperation between The FabLab in Milan and italian company – Isinnova, published yesterday by Davide Sher on 3D Printing Media Network yesterday. Using a 3D printer, they’ve created and delivered to the hospital in Brescia valves for an intensive care device.

As I described in one of my recent articles, 3D printing technology can be extremely useful in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using 3D printers, you can for example easily and quickly create protective masks, adapters with filters, or a number of gadgets that limit our contact with surfaces exposed to COVID-19 virus.

Nunzia Vallini – editor of regional newspaper Giornale di Brescia, contacted Massimo Temporelli – founder of The FabLab in Milan and well known personage in the circles of the Italian 3D printing industry, to ask him for help in solving urgent problem that a local hospital in Brescia faced. Its personel was out of valves for an intensive care device and where unable to get new ones, becuse their supplier could not complete the order in short time. Lack of valves coudl cause seriuous health issues to patients under intensive care, so fast solutions was needed. The question Vallini asked was – is it possible to 3D print them…?

Cristian Fracassi – founder and CEO of local company Isinnova answered the call and brought 3D printer to the hospital, where started to work on the valve design. When finished, the valve was 3D printed and passed to tests. As Massimo Temporelli reports – the system works, and over 10 patients are using machines with the 3D printed valve.

Read about another design made by Isinnova:

Source: www.3dprintingmedia.network