College of Engineering 3D Printing for COVID-19

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Posted on April 29, 2020 by USA College of Engineering

USA College of Engineering

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Engineering Faculty Respond to COVID-19 Supply Need

Several faculty in the College of Engineering have been using their 3D printers to manufacture tension relief straps made of flexible plastic for protective facial masks. These straps prevent irritation behind the ears caused by the usual elastic straps. These are urgently needed by healthcare professionals working to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Kuang-Ting Hsiao, Professor in the William B. Burnsed, Jr. Department of Mechanical Engineering, and his PhD student, Bikash Ranabhat, were the first to make a sample strap. Their printing process takes approximately 30 minutes using PLA plastic. Others contributing to this effort include Dr. Carlos Montalvo, Assistant Professor in the William B. Burnsed, Jr. Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Bret Webb, Professor and Dr. Min-Wook Kang, Associate Professor, both in the USA Department of Civil, Coastal and Environmental Engineering.

Dean of Engineering, Dr. John Usher, said: "This is an outstanding example of how the USA Engineering College responds to the needs of the local community. We have extensive expertise in all branches of engineering and our world-class faculty can use their knowledge and experience to help solve almost any problem needing an engineering solution."

Assistant Vice President Dr. Matt Reichert has been working with USA Health and Airbus USA to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials will be supplied by Airbus USA to the College of Engineering for producing these tension relief straps for the USA health system and other health professionals.

 

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