The Impact of 3D Printing Technology on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

3D printing technology has influenced the healthcare and medical sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3D printer machines fabricated numerous medical kits and accessories. These include face shields, specimen collectors, personalized face masks, ventilators, protective eyewear, personal protection equipment (PPE), and isolation wards/chambers. All these were fabricated in a short period as requirements were increasing expressively. The chapter describes several of these applications of 3D printing, which assisted in looking after numerous lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The cooperation of the 3D-printing knowledge with the worldwide healthcare community will develop innovative and essential prospects in the upcoming days. Also, numerous important proposals are described that were applied to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, monitored by a discussion about the upcoming trend of how additive manufacturing can help people worldwide to control any upcoming pandemic situation.