It is not uncommon to see the application of 3D printing in the medical and healthcare industry. But for a city of more than 7.5 million people with a small-scale manufacturing sector, this technology could make quite a difference - particularly at such a difficult time for Hong Kong.
In the wake of the spread of the novel coronavirus and surging demand for protective medical equipment, a research team in Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has found a way to use the latest technology to aid people fighting the coronavirus outbreak.
Utilizng 3D printing technology, the PolyU team managed to design and produce face and eye shields customized for Hong Kong’s front-line medical personnel.
With concerted efforts from the research team and the manufacturing industry, the production of face shields has been increased to 10,000 pieces per day starting from Feb 25. It will reach 30,000 a day by late March, according to the team.
3D printing, a term for additive printing that applies successive layers of materials to make a three-dimensional object from a digital model, helps accelerate the design process of medical equipment, explains Professor Man Hau-chung, director of university research facility in 3D printing, PolyU.
The 3D printers in Man’s lab can make prototypes from digital models in 90 minutes, enabling the team to test and make modifications in a timely fashion.
In the face of increasing medical needs and difficulties in global purchasing, two of Hong Kong’s medical institutions - the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Hospital Authority - approached Man’s team to help ease the imminent demand for protective equipment in early Feb.
Making the most of 3D printing technology, the team completed he equipment model within five days and delivered it to local factories for mould-making and mass production on Feb 15.
Usually it takes one to two months to produce a model design with traditional methods, Man said.
Designed by PolyU and made in Hong Kong factories, it is testament to the competence and ability of Hong Kong's manufacturing industry, Man said. He hopes the government will attach more importance to local manufacturers in order to guarantee daily supplies to the city during challenging times like this.
