Rock Hill company producing equipment to help combat coronavirus

ROCK HILL, S.C. — 3D printing powerhouse and Rock Hill-headquartered 3D Systems is helping healthcare providers by producing equipment that can be used to combat coronavirus.

Supplies and medical equipment are in high demand, and North and South Carolina are not immune.

“As we’ve seen around the country, critical supplies and equipment are also running low,” Governor Roy Cooper said.

Tracking Coronavirus

Executive Vice President of 3D Systems Andrew Johnson said this is where 3D printing can and already has stepped in.

"Complexity is free," he said. "So, anything that you can dream up and you can create a printable file can theoretically be 3D printed."

3D Systems is using its Figure 4 printers to produce ventilator valves. Johnson said that allows hospitals to have multiple uses of their ventilators.

“They are running out of traditionally manufactured valves. To be able to do that on a 3D printer is actually amazing,” he said.

Johnson said another project gaining traction is the full-face mask with protection of the mouth and eyes. He said the company has received an influx of calls from healthcare professionals and many employees are thankful to play a role in helping fight COVID-19.

“We are able to focus on something so much bigger than our company or even our community, and to use it in a way that will really make a difference,” he said.

3D Systems also developed a lung ultrasound skill simulator that allows healthcare professionals to address and manage COVID-19. It based on feedback from medical executives in Italy and China.

For more information on 3D Systems, click here: https://www.3dsystems.com/