Markforged, which makes metal and carbon fiber 3D printers, has distributed a number additive manufacturing (AM) machines to manufacturers in Michigan, USA as part of Project DIAMOnD, a group of manufacturers focused on 3D printing personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to the company, more than 200 manufacturers have already received the printers and are ready to print PPE when required. In the meantime, they can also use the printers to make parts as part of their manufacturing operations.
‘The project is poised to become the world’s largest emergency response network for printing physical objects on demand,’ a press release said. ‘The project will also create supply chain resiliency and flexibility by presenting an opportunity for the participating manufacturers to print the parts they might need to keep their lines operational and versatile in the face of future disruption.’
‘Traditionally, governments have maintained special networks dedicated to the distribution of information and goods during emergencies, but this will be the first response network capable of actually manufacturing tangible parts and objects on demand as needs arise,’ said Michael Kelly, director at Markforged.
This story uses material from Markforged, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
