ArcelorMittal and De Beers using 3D printers in fight against coronavirus

Steel producer ArcelorMittal has joined the fight against coronavirus and started 3D printing ventilators and face shields, the company said Monday.

ArcelorMittal has joined forces with medical professionals in Spain to produce ventilators ramping up efforts to find solutions for treating coronavirus. Working in full coordination with Minister of Innovation of Asturias Region, Spain, the ventilators have been produced using 3D printing and took one week to design, the company said.

The ventilators are currently undergoing trials and safety tests and will be contingent on regulatory approval. Once approved, they could support patients with acute respiratory difficulties, which occur in severe cases of COVID-19.

“Enabling a rapid supply of ventilators and face shields is critical in helping beat this virus and I am very proud that our company and our people are able to contribute their skills and expertise to help make this a reality,” said ArcelorMittal CEO Lakshmii Mittal.

De Beers said Monday that its UK-based subsidiary has converted its 3D printers from developing parts for synthetic detection machines to instead making headbands for face shields that form part of the personal protection equipment (PPE) being worn by healthcare staff. The four printers will be working 24 hours a day and it expects to produce between 25 and 30 of these headband components per day.

— Len Griffin