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We're making reusable visors that can be sterilised using 3D printers at work:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2020/smd/queen-mary-3d-prints-protective-equipment-for-covid-19-nhs-workers.htmlThe staff who've been making them so far have been printing them at home, but given they can be reused and sterilised I suppose it doesn't matter that they've been made in a non-sterile environment. The plan is to potentially use the 10,000 at the Nightingale (which is being run by another colleague of mine). That figure was literally based on 2000 beds x 5.
Is there anything about the design you've been printing that means it couldn't be sterilised? And is the design certified? It doesn't say in that story but I know they had to go through half a dozen prototypes before they got certification.
Fox-
We're making reusable visors that can be sterilised using 3D printers at work:
I think they're using different definitions of sterilised. I dont consider alcohol wipes or immersion in alcohol to be sterilisation. The reason for this is that 3d printed parts made from filament have countless tiny bubbles and seams in the finish which can both harbour nasties and shelter them from sterilising fluid. The QMUL ones will have the same problem. Although clearly in the context of usage in this situation they arent worried.
The other problem is that 3d printed PLA and ABS plastics tend to have a plasticity point of around 60 to 80 degrees which is well below what is needed for a full sterilisation. In other words, put 3d printed parts in a steriliser and they'll melt unless you use a high temp plastic like Nylon which provides it's own sterilisation challenges.
Its the nature of the structure of 3d printed items thays the issue rather than the design that is printed
EDIT: this is a good read. Tldr, you cant really sterilise parts unless printed with specialist plastics https://blog.gotopac.com/2017/05/22/sterile-materials-and-outcomes-for-3d-printing-sterile-parts/
EDIT 2: Yes, design is certified by Czech health service. No certification in UK but NHS trusts still seem to want them.
Stonehedge
Arguably, mine aren't even usable let alone reusable, given that they are made of non suitable plastic in a non sterile environment but we are where we are!
Tongue in cheek response aside, I assume that they will be regarded as disposable as 3d printed objects are virtually impossible to sterilise.