CLINICAL SOFTWARE
32 will be miserable , and it ’ ll affect their morale and crew cohesion .
“ Normally you ’ d use three instruments made from metal , so we came up with a 3D printable , multifunctional dental tool made out of a filament that ’ s quite a bit lighter , but still strong . This will save money because launching supplies to space is expensive .”
Given the environments she ’ s designing for , the main challenge for Wong is ensuring the devices won ’ t require postprocessing after they ’ ve been printed . “ You wouldn ’ t want to 3D print something and then have to sand down excess material , or go find a tool and screws to put it together ,” she says .
“ We ’ ve become real experts at designing devices that print support-free , can be 100 per cent 3D printed , and are ready to use right off of the print bed . It ’ s more challenging to meet these design requirements but it makes sense for austere environments .”
3D4MD has also been printing 100 per cent reusable face shields for frontline workers . “ The current paradigm of single-usepersonal protective equipment ( PPE ) is not sustainable ,” she explains . “ The Canadian government estimates that 63,000 tons of PPE will end up in landfills over the next year . PPE can ’ t be recycled because it is potentially contaminated with biohazards .”
The 3D4MD 100 % Reusable Face Shield , which consists of a clear visor , comfort band and frame , can be sanitised in home or commercial dishwashers , and the clear visor has been rated for over 1000 autoclaving cycles – the gold standard sterilisation process in healthcare . “ We ’ ve developed the technical knowledge on how to 3D print sanitizable and sterilisable filament . It ’ s better to make a reusable medical device because it reduces supply chain dependence for single-use items .”
JANUARY 2021