3D-printed contact-free devices designed and dispatched against the COVID-19 pandemic: The 3D COVID initiative

Direct contact with devices such as elevator buttons, beepers, telephones, computer mice and keyboards can contribute to spread viral diseases. Here, we report our experience in designing, producing and dispatching three 3D-printed objected intending to lower the risks of COVID-19 contamination by limiting direct contacts: (1) fixed hand-free door openers, (2) door hooks and (3) button pushers. These devices were produced in industrial quantities and made available for free for Greater Paris University Hospitals and various state institutions as part of the 3D COVID project. In this short technical note, we describe the sequential organisation of the design and production and highlight the advantages of additive manufacturing in dealing with specific aspects of sanitary crises. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article introduces three 3D-printed objects designed, produced, and distributed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 contamination by limiting direct contact. The objects include fixed hands-free door openers, door hooks, and button pushers. These devices were mass-produced and provided for free to Greater Paris University Hospitals and various state institutions, highlighting the advantages of additive manufacturing in addressing specific aspects of sanitary crises.