These are crazy times we’re living in. The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly, shaking up the foundation of our economy and society. But working together, we can help slow down the spread of COVID-19, potentially saving lives.
Modern technology is allowing us to prevent the spread and share information at a much more effective rate than in the past. Things we take for granted, like telemedicine and blood pressure monitors, are proving to be highly effective tools.
3D printing technology is at the forefront of combatting the virus. The affordable and efficient method of manufacturing is allowing anyone, anywhere to 3D print devices that help us to navigate daily life safely. We’ve seen plenty of no-touch door handles already, but those are just an example of the innovation coming out of creators in this time of need.
Cad Crowd is hosting a 3D printing and product design challenge, allowing innovators to design 3D printable products to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All of the designs will be available to download free of charge, making it a global endeavor. Let’s take a look at some of the entries so far.
COVID-19 Product Design Challenge on Cad Crowd
We’re honored to have hundreds of prestigious product designers working in our marketplace. Our COVID-19 contest already has over 40 entries that could be highly effective. Here are some highlights.
Door Handle Universal Device
Door handles are perhaps the most frequently touched surfaces out there. Thankfully, many devices exist to bypass ever having to lay your hands on one.
Here is a universal door handle that can be attached to any pre-existing handle. It allows you to open doors without having to use your hands. Simply place your wrist on the half circle and press down. It’s easy to install and remove and quite simple to manufacture.
Market Door Handle
He has also designed a similar device for a different type of door. Mini market style doors don’t need to be pushed down on; instead, they open through simply pushing or pulling. Slide your wrist in the space provided and push or pull as required. It couldn’t be easier.
Sanitary Wrist
The tap in the bathroom is another common surface that’s touched by many people each day. While most public bathrooms have automated taps, some don’t. And even at home, germs can spread. This sanitary wrist is something you can carry with you and use to touch surfaces you wouldn’t want to touch with your bare hands.
Fistbump Toilet Flush Button
No one wants to put their hands on a public toilet. The flush buttons are covered in germs that we don’t want to spread. With this flush button, you simply bump it with your fist for a quick flush. Fist-bumping leads to way less germs being spread. This particular device has ridges to reduce the contact area even further.
Protective Knob Sleeve
For your traditional doorknob, you’ll need this sleeve. It can be made with rubber or another flexible material. It’s meant to be placed over a doorknob—simply slide it over and open. Then remove the knob.
If made with rubber, it can be cleaned and reused continuously. When made with paper, it’s disposable and inexpensive. The designer suggests keeping the paper iteration near doors, as they’re stackable. Thus, there’s no reason to not try out one of these.
Other COVID-19 Projects in the 3D Printing Space
Cad Crowd isn’t the only company out there using 3D printing to combat the spread of COVID-19. In fact, many resources are repurposing their 3D printers and designers to contribute to the fight. Here’s a list of some other sources to check out.
3D Printing Resources
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| NanoHack, open-source 3D printed mask | An open-source STL file to 3D print a N95 mask |
| 3D printed valves | FabLab developed a life-saving 3D printed valve used in a resuscitation system |
| Hands-free 3D printed door opener | Materialise has developed a 3D-printed door opener |
| Corona hook | A hook for contactless door opening |
| 3D printed face shield | A 3D printed face shield by Prusa Printers |
| Hand gel dispenser holder | Cults3D developed a sanitizer dispenser |
| Emergency DIY mask | Emergency DIY mask for medical professionals |
| Field respirator by HP | 3D printed emergency respiration device by HP |
| Face shield by HP | 3D printable face shield |
| Collection of products by Shapeways to combat COVID-19 | Many products designed to help medical professionals |
| Xometry’s list of 3D printed products | Multiple products to 3D print |
| Respirator adapter for recreational mask | Files to convert a recreational mask into a respirator |
| Hackaday’s How You Can Help spreadsheet | A list of resources for you to help |
Aside from 3D printing, there are plenty of other tech industries contributing in their own way. Here are some other sources to check out.
Other Tech Resources
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Lab | Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Lab leverages group knowledge to find, prequalify, design and manufacture fast solutions during the pandemic through Open Design, Frugal Innovation and Open Data. |
| Kaggle, a data science competition site | They are hosting a competition to predict the spread of COVID-19 globally |
| Kaggle | Also hosting a local US-CA competition |
Lastly, here are some reputable industry resources to keep abreast of what’s going on with COVID-19.
General COVID-19 Resources
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Google’s COVID-19 info | COVID-19 information & resources for the US |
| CDC COVID-19 prevention | CDC’s prevention page |
Cad Crowd’s Product Design Services are at Your Disposal
At Cad Crowd, we have the privilege of working with hundreds of 3D modeling and product design services. Our freelancers are pre-vetted and have worked with many clients, including Tupperware and Tiffany & Co.
We also host design challenges. Simply post your project, set a budget, and you’ll get dozens of unique entries from qualified drafters and designers. It’s the best way to get innovative design ideas. Find out how it works.