Ricoh 3D offers help in the manufacture of ventilators
Ricoh 3D supports the fight against COVID-19 and offers its help to the British government in the production of vital respiratory equipment.
Ricoh 3D has contacted Make UK and the UK government to confirm that it is prepared to support the mass production of ventilators. Ricoh is confident that by using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, it can help to produce critical components for ventilators quickly and cost-effectively.
This follows a call from the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, to UK industry to work urgently together to increase the number of machines available to the NHS. According to Hancock, the UK currently has 5,000 ventilators, but needs significantly more. He urged British manufacturers to get involved in every possible way.
Mark Dickin, Additive Manufacturing & Moulding Engineering Lead at Ricoh 3D, said: "New ventilators are urgently needed as the coronavirus crisis worsens. Additive manufacturing will play a crucial role in this as this technology will allow the rapid and cost-effective production of custom-made parts. We would like to help in any way we can. Our team of experts is always ready to develop and produce the necessary parts. This is an unprecedented situation where both companies and individuals must do everything possible to save lives".
In Italy, a 3D printing company was able to supply a hospital with 100 valves for ventilators within 24 hours. These valves typically cost about £9,000 to produce. By using 3D printers, the valves could now be produced for less than 1 pound per piece.
Ricoh 3D has been part of various medical projects in the past that have improved the lives of thousands of people. Among other things, the company has been involved in the development of a lever hinge mechanism for foot orthoses and contributed to the development of a revolutionary technology in which limbs are scanned and accurately reproduced using 3D printing before surgery. Surgical instruments for complex operations can also be produced using additive manufacturing.
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