Manchester Taskforce Makes 3D Printed Ventilator Parts

The University of Manchester responds to NHS call for 3D printed parts of ventilators amidst coronavirus crisis.

05:14 21 June 2020

A team of engineers from The University of Manchester has used their expertise to provide frontline NHS medics with 3D printed parts for ventilators to help them safely support critically ill Covid-19 patients. 

 

Dr Andrew Weightman from Manchester's Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, leads the team that designed, validated and delivered a brand new component using 3D printing technology that was helping patients and staff. The technology used helps deliver pressurised oxygen at high flows via a face mask and support patients who might otherwise need to be sedated and placed onto 'life support' machines. 

 

Dr Weightman said: "We have an excellent technical services team at the university and if it was wasn't for their expertise and experience we wouldn't have been able to develop a solution so quickly. The strong links we have with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust enabled us to assess the solution from an infection control perspective and gain rapid approval. As a team, we all wanted to do something to support the people working in the NHS and the patients they are treating. 

 

"And it also worth recognising that there were many other University colleagues who enabled us to do our work. For example, our security and health and safety teams who have enabled us to safely be on campus to print the new parts."