Emporia State Unversity’s project to create medical equipment using 3D technology already has its first shipment.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Friday, Learning Technologies professor Rob Gibson said the first mask went to Life Care Center in Burlington, which has been “ravaged” by a coronavirus cluster now approaching 30 patients. Gibson says this effort will also get a local boost through Emporia Main Street, which could see funding through the Lyon County Disaster Relief Fund. Newman Regional Health has also authorized the printing of 100 masks.
Gibson says several 3D printers on campus are now being used for this work. Printing time varies, depending on the computer and the printer.
The effort started when Gibson saw an effort from a Montana dentist office. Online research led to a set of possible downloads and early work on prototypes.
Gibson and a two-person team are also working on other projects, including face shield components, ventilator splitters and hands-free door openers.
Team members are paying for the costs out-of-pocket at this time. Finding supplies has been a challenge, but Gibson says a partnership has developed with a Montana company for mask filters and a company out of San Diego to get face shield components to Emporia.
