When I recently bought and assembled my 3D printer, I had no idea that it would be bringing me into an active role in pandemic response. As the COVID-19 crisis built, makers across the globe started to come up with ways to help using 3D Printers, CNC machines and other tools. The founders of Operation Dynamo described the organization fairly well so I’ll let them do it below.

OperationDynamo gets its name from the Little Ships of Dunkirk. We believe that like the Operation Dynamo of the past, we too can rally a community to rescue lives. Our team was inspired by the OSCMS (Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies) project, but while that project worked to build a list of makers, we are working to pair makers with their local hospitals. We are doing the leg work to build the relationships with as many hospitals as we can so that makers can do what they do best: make things!

https://operationdynamo.org/about/

Printing with a Purpose

Of course, we have to have something useful to print. Prusa, a manufacturer of 3D printers, worked with the medical community in Prague to develop a 3D Printed face shield for clinicians. These face shields use two printed parts along with a clear piece of plastic to shield clinicians from droplets. They also help to keep N95 masks from being soiled extending their useful life.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also provided some tested designs for printing. These include masks, face shields, and devices to make normal masks more comfortable to wear.

How Can You Help?

If you have a printer or a CNC machine, sign up at https://operationdynamo.org and start taking orders. If you don’t have a printer or CNC machine, reach out to local makers and spread the word. Once you find them, offer to donate rolls of filament or other supplies. We can work together and beat this thing.