Doha: Qatar University's College of Engineering (QU-CENG) announced that a research team from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DMIE) represented by students and faculty members developed designs using 3D printers for medical products manufactured in QU-CENG laboratories and workshops to benefit the medical service sector in Qatar.
These new designs include a ventilator machine which is used in hospitals as an integral part to provide the necessary treatment for patients with chest diseases, as well as the face mask for medical personnel and to reduce the chances of infection.
QU-CENG said in a statement that these designs also include doorknobs that help to open the doors without touching the knob to reduce the chances of infection, knowing that the design of the masks filters will be done in collaboration with Qatar University College of Medicine.
Protective masks are developed for doctors and the community using 3D printers to produce masks that protect against the emerging coronavirus. The new masks contain a delicate external electrical wiring network covered with a layer of epoxy for two reasons.
The first reason is to close all pores that exist in the prints produced by this widespread type of 3D printers (FDM) that use ABS plastic or "BC" and the second reason for covering and fixing the battery-powered wire mesh to heat the outer part of the mask to a degree higher than 70 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the degree which the virus endures according to some studies.
The statement added that this will reduce the possibility of the virus remaining alive on the surface of the mask for a relatively long period of time. Filter is not covered by autoclaving and must be replaced after each use while taking all safety and security measures during the change.
