Additive manufacturing against the Covid-19 pandemic: a technological model for the adaptability and networking

This investigation analyzes the main contributions that additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides to the world in fighting against the pandemic COVID-19 from a materials and applications perspective. With this aim, different sources, which include academic reports, initiatives, and industrial companies, have been systematically analyzed. The AM technology applications include protective masks, mechanical ventilator parts, social distancing signage, and parts for detection and disinfection equipment (Ju, 2020). There is a substantially increased number of contributions from AM technology to this global issue, which is expected to continuously increase until a sound solution is found. The materials and manufacturing technologies in addition to the current challenges and opportunities were analyzed as well. These contributions came from a lot of countries, which can be used as a future model to work in massive collaboration, technology networking, and adaptability, all lined up to provide potential solutions for some of the biggest challenges the human society might face in the future. (c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This investigation analyzes the main contributions of additive manufacturing (AM) technology in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on materials and applications. The study finds that 3D printing technology has played a significant role in producing protective masks, mechanical ventilator parts, social distancing signage, and parts for detection and disinfection equipment. These contributions are expected to continue increasing until a viable solution is found. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of collaborative efforts, technology networking, and adaptability among countries to address future challenges faced by human society.