MakerBot Launches 3D Printing Initiatives to Combat COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, the need for 3D printing solutions to provide supplies to the medical community increases drastically. MakerBot’s initiative aims to connect the needs of the medical community with the company's network to support requests for supplies quickly and efficiently.

The company is working with Columbia University Libraries and Tangible Creative to produce, assemble, and deliver face shields to New York City hospitals and healthcare workers on the front lines. As part of this effort, the company is part of COVID Maker Response , a coalition of makers who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing, assembling, and distributing 3D printed protective gear and other parts to frontline medical workers. Anyone who has access to a 3D printer and would like to print face shields for their local community can access the files on the company's Web site.

Inside the MakerBot 3D printing farm. (Credit: MakerBot)

Currently MakerBot’s output stands at 460 units per day and an overall team effort of 1,000 units per day. Hospitals, medical professionals, and other organizations in need of medical supplies can submit their requests for equipment via the company’s online request form .

The company is collaborating with students, doctors, and designers to print samples for the community, provide design feedback, or answer questions about what can and cannot be done with 3D printing.

MakerBot users and the 3D printing community are also submitting offers to assist in the printing of PPE gear. The company is providing instruction on the printing and assembly of face shields, donating filament, and hardware when applicable. In addition, MakerBot is donating hardware and filament to schools, maker spaces, organizations, and individuals for the purpose of enabling printing of equipment useful for COVID prevention as well as printing face shield visors in-house and delivering them for assembly.