How to Use Your 3D Printer to Help Fight the Coronavirus

Coordinate your efforts with local health care providers

8Craig Gillam, digital fabrication supervisor in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Architecture and Design’s Fab Lab, has produced hundreds of headbands, which will be fitted with acetate shields. Photo: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

To address the enormous shortfall in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, 3D printing enthusiasts around the world have started to manufacture and donate makeshift equipment.

If you have a 3D printer, you can help too. OneZero spoke to three 3D printing experts currently making PPE for frontline health care workers. They shared instructions on how best to meet your community’s needs.

Talk to your local health care providers

All three experts who spoke with OneZero agreed that the first step for anyone who wants to help is to reach out to their county or local hospital to gauge their needs.

Isaac Budmen, who runs a custom 3D printer shop in upstate New York which has pivoted to manufacturing coronavirus supplies, suggests reaching out to the local hospital’s procurement manager or supply chain person.

“Find out if they need it, what they need, and work with them directly,” says Budmen.

It’s also important to speak to the health care professionals accepting the equipment to verify your designs. If you aren’t able to ensure…