3D printing for development of medical equipment amidst coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic—review and advancements

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coronavirus (COVID-19) has surfaced as a global pandemic and has created an unprecedented global demand for medical equipment. The shortage of onsite workforce, need for social distancing and less time available for sourcing have further made it difficult for the governments and the medical professionals to combat the pandemic. This study’s prime objective is to review the advancements in the area of 3D printing to develop medical equipment and explore the potential of 3D printing in addressing the shortage of medical equipment mainly the personal protective equipment (PPE) amidst COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: 3D printing or additive manufacturing has emerged as a new manufacturing process with tremendous potential to develop complex products in short time with minimal human interventions. The paper summarises 3D printing’s potential to serve the increasing need for medical equipment, mainly personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilator equipment in the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The minimum human interventions required to carry out production using 3D printing also make the technology an excellent option to deal with the current situation. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations and opinions presented in the paper shall act as a stimulant to develop components very critical for the pandemic and help save precious lives globally.