HP's 3DP technology aiding in ventilator manufacturing to support COVID-19 treatment

HP Inc. announced another milestone in enabling the frontline workers and communities to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 through 3D printing. HP has partnered with Redington 3D in India, to successfully produce 120,000 ventilator parts for AgVa Healthcare. As part of this initiative, 12 categories of parts have been 3D printed, to manufacture 10,000 ventilators.

These ventilators are being deployed across India for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The parts include inhale and exhale connectors, valve holders, oxygen nozzles and solenoid mounts among others. Since these components have complex designs and fine tolerances, it would have taken 4-5 months to manufacture these quantities using the conventional process. With HP 3D printing technology, these parts were printed in just 24 days.

AgVa Healthcare's ventilator is an ICU ventilator with Volume, Pressure & Flow Control. The entire system can be controlled by a capacitive multi-touch interface without the need of compressed medical air. It is extremely portable and can be used in ICU transport or homecare.

This partnership is part of HP’s global commitment in the battle against COVID-19. To date, HP and partners have produced more than 2.3 million 3D printed parts. As part of this initiative, HP has ramped up its 3D printing team and global Digital Manufacturing Partner Network to design, validate and produce essential parts for medical responders and hospitals.

“In these unprecedented and difficult times, HP remains committed to serve the community and those impacted by the ongoing health emergency. The successful execution of the AgVa Healthcare project is a testament of the capabilities of HP’s 3D printing technology and how it can remove the limitations of designing by producing complex products in short time“, said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager, 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing, HP India Market.

“At Redington, our commitment was to supply over 1.20 Lakhs parts to AgVa Healthcare in their endeavour to manufacture 10,000 Ventilators in 30 days & help the country tackle the COVID-19 pandemic challenges. By deploying two of our HP Jet Fusion Production 3D Printers, we could manage our production schedule with ease and help the country in its preparedness to fight this pandemic situation. As a team, we feel proud to be part of this mission & leverage our Digital Manufacturing capabilities, at the time when it needed the most,” said Ramesh K.S, Vice President, Redington India limited.

3D Printing Parts to Help Contain COVID-19

HP’s global network of manufacturing partners is working to ensure that the 3D printed parts are available in any region around the world. To date, more than 2.3 million parts have been produced by HP and our partners and customers around the world.

Some of the first applications being validated and produced include:

Hands-Free Door Opener: Door handles are among the most germ-infested objects in houses, hospitals, factories, and elderly homes. This adapter allows for easy and more sanitary opening with an elbow.

Mask Adjuster: Many hospital staff are required to wear masks for long periods. This clasp is designed to improve comfort and alleviate associated ear pain.

Face Shields: Face shields are one of the highest-need personal protection items. Brackets to hold the shield and comfortably fit the wearer are a critical component.

Field Ventilator: 3D printed parts for a mechanical bag valve mask (BVM) that is designed for use as short-term emergency ventilation of COVID-19 patients. This simplified design enables a robust and less-complex device, facilitating its rapid production and assembly.

FFP3 Face Masks: Effective protective gear is needed for medical providers to treat the volume of expected COVID-19 patients. HP is validating several hospital-grade face masks and expects them to be available shortly.

HP Foundation

The HP Foundation has contributed US$3M grants in total. US$1M to support affected communities with critical medical supplies, and its board has approved an additional US$2M in grants for COVID-19 relief. The HP Foundation is focused on devoting significant resources to support community response efforts over the coming weeks and months and will be working with both global and local partners to prioritize actions that will have the greatest impact. It will also direct students to the free courses on HP LIFE, a free program of the HP Foundation that offers modules to support skills around entrepreneurship, marketing and business development, and match up to US$4M this year in HP employee donations to any eligible charity.

HP has also committed to distributing US$5M in product donations supporting Education, SMB and Healthcare entities in underprivileged and underserved communities around the world. Products include laptops, printers, displays, and paper.