3Ds: Design, Develop and Deliver is MATDEV's contribution to the medical field during the pandemic
One of the many interesting innovations during the opening day of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week celebration (#2021NSTW) was on 3D design and development.
The two-hour webinar session was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST – ITDI) that focused on aiding medical institutions by providing solutions during this pandemic with coaching and mentoring workshops on design and production of medical equipment parts titled “Creating Hope with MATDEV”.
The Advance Manufacturing Center’s Material Development Laboratory (AMCen’s MATDEV) is taking the lead in research and development materials for 3D printing that aims to reduce cost of raw materials and increase utilization of local materials for high-end 3D printing.
Face Shields and Ear Relief Bands in 3D Print Designs
Photo Courtesy: DOST-ITDI
Present during the webinar were experts in MATDEV led by DOST-ITDI Deputy Director Dr. Christine Marie Montesa, who spoke about the significant contributions and early efforts of DOST-ITDI’s, AMCen’s MATDEV in the response against COVID-19 pandemic through prototyping and production of various PPE’s, medical components and devices that help address supply shortage at the height of the crisis. These initiatives are jointly undertaken with the collaboration of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).
While MATDEV works on creating solutions to the problem, several restrictions during the early days of this pandemic led them to come up with their own design by using their resources and develop medical supplies in utilizing local materials and deliver face shields and ear relief bands to medical frontliners battling COVID-19.
This effort produced a total of 3,144 face shields and 2,770 ear relief bands distributed to 47 hospitals, 10 health centers and clinics, and four government agencies and other institutions, thus ensuring the safety and protection of the health workers and frontliners.
Other medical equipment in 3D Print Designs
venture valves, modified oxygen mask, valved holding chamber and door handles
Photo Courtesy: DOST-ITDI
Other MATDEV medical equipment produced included the following: venturi valves, valve holding chamber, and modified oxygen mask, which were presented by one of the resource speakers Engineer Manrusces Enot, a Senior Science Research Specialist.
Engineer Enot also shared the good feedback they received from the medical frontliners on the designs that are easy to use and comfortable as the parts are durable enough for daily tasks, indeed a breakthrough in the development of medical and healthcare equipment.
MATDEV's Project Leader Marianito T. Margarito shared the benefits of 3D printing to the medical sector including planning to reduce time of operations by using various applications and techniques of 3D printing through sorting a model first to practice on and replace parts that fit perfectly.
With these encouraging results, MATDEV wants to undertake more research and development and to continue to improve medical accessories and devices as DOST-ITDI called on to empower our medical professionals and make for a resilient health care system. Moving forward, MATDEV also takes this opportunity to establish connections and collaborations with potential partners by promoting 3D technology for product development and mass production with the help of MATDEV facilities and services.
“As of today, the team continues to provide services to help abate the negative impact of the pandemic,” Dr. Christine Marie Montesa, DOST-ITDI Deputy Director, said.
The webinar also provides a short workshop mainly discussing the basic process, common materials, and technology used for 3D printing. If you missed the workshop and the discussion, you can watch it again through bit.ly/CreatingHopewith MATDEV.
For more information on MATDEV, please visit their official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ITDIDOSTUpdates.
Incidentally, MATDEV is only one of the featured innovations by the DOST and its agencies in the ongoing celebration of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week that will run from 22-28 November 2021. For more information and more exciting experience in the world of science, technology, and innovation, please visit the website www.nstw.dost.gov.ph or check out the Facebook page of NSTW. (By Ryan Sebastian Soyosa, DOST-STII)
