3D printers are running 24/7 in fight against Covid-19

In the battle against the Covid-19 virus every contribution counts. Sound Hub Denmark is right now joining forces with Harman in Struer and a large network of other volunteers to assist health care workers in battling Corona.

A huge need for face visors from ERs, ICUs, hospitals, retirement homes, doctor’s offices and even dentist clinics has initiated a massive group of 3D printer owners and companies to start printing parts. Approached by Senior Mechanical Designer at Harman, Henrik M. Jørgensen, who is part of a large group of volunteers called DK Makers against Corona Virus – Sound Hub Denmark has lent out its 3D-printer to Harman in Struer. In addition to the printer, Sound Hub Denmark has provided extra material needed for printing to keep both the local printers in Struer running, but also contribute to some of the other printers in the network with the capacity to print.

Visor worn across the forehead

The visors are of a relatively simple design, which has been approved by the Danish Ministry of Health to be used as protective equipment in the Health Care sector. Henrik M. Jørgensen informs:

We produce only visors that are worn across the forehead, which can then be secured behind the ears with an elastic band. A clear plastic film can be fastened to the visor, forming a protective shield that can be cleaned or replaced, when it becomes contaminated.

To keep the printers running non-stop, Henrik has to take out the finished parts and restart the printing process every 6-7 hours. All the produced parts are then shipped to one of six collection/distribution hubs in Denmark.

Every contribution counts

The volunteers are currently counting hundreds of individuals and companies, who contribute with around 5000 visors output per 24 hours at the current printing rate (April 10 status.)

Even though some very large players such as LEGO and Grundfos are now joining in with injection moulding solutions, the latest statement by the Danish Ministry of Health is that it is still not keeping up with demand. Therefore, the group of volunteers will continue for as long as it is needed and until mass-produced parts can take over. We still see that the small numbers made by many volunteers – really add up to be a significant contribution.

Sound Hub Denmark is glad to be part of this collaborative initiative – we see it as one of our core competences to bring people together and solve problems – and in the situation, we are in right now, this approach is in high demand,

states Peter Petersen CEO of Sound Hub Denmark.