Airbus leverages engineering expertise to produce 3D printed PPE for first responders

Around the Americas, Airbus and its teams have combined their know-how, engineering skills and production capabilities to support the production of 3D printed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for local first line responders and medical personnel. 

With the increased demand for PPE from those combating the Coronavirus, engineers from Helibras System Integration Laboratory, part of Airbus Helicopters’ Brazilian subsidiary, produced face protection shields using 3D printing technology. The printed material was donated to the Hospital de Clínicas and the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, both located in the city of Itajubá.

Airbus Helicopters in Mexico also joined the efforts to produce hand-built face shields, and donated 450 to first responders through a Secretary of Defense (SEDENA) association.

Airbus employees in the U.S. have also worked on similar efforts. In Mobile, Alabama, FAL and Engineering employees teamed up with the University of South Alabama to produce 3D-printed face masks and mask tension release bands for medical personnel at USA Health including University Hospital, Children & Women's Hospital, Mitchell Cancer Institute, and the Physician's Group. 500 masks, which are reusable and washable, have been produced, along with 75 tension release bands per day for three weeks.

In Herndon, Virginia, an Airbus employee and her family used their 3D printer at home to print  PRUSA face shields. Through WetheBuilders.com, they distributed their production to hospitals and other critical areas in need.

A group of local Airbus Engineering employees from Wichita also created 3D printed parts for protective face shields, which were donated to the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. In total, over 7,000 shields have been produced.

In Atlanta, Airbus Intelligence delivered 3D printed headbands to the Atlanta Beats COVID organization for final assembly. The team also provided plastic sheets, sewn elastic headbands, and surgical micro-foam to help aid in the completion of the face shields. 

All these efforts show Airbus continuous commitment in supporting local communities and the many frontline workers helping to battle the pandemic.

Written by:
Jasnna Pempelfort
Communications Manager Latin America
jasnna.pempelfort@airbus.com