Limbitless Solutions has pivoted in response to the COVID-19 to 3D printing a key components of disposable face shields that feature messages of support for healthcare workers.
Limbitless Solutions, a non-profit established in 2014 to manufacture personalized 3D printed bionic arms, has pivoted in response to the COVID-19 to 3D printing key components of disposable face shields used by medical workers fighting to save lives on the front lines of the pandemic.
The organization’s lab based on the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) main campus has traditionally produced the personalized 3D-printed prosthetic arms for children, which are currently under evaluation in clinical trials.
“We are honored to be a small part of a network committed to supporting our medical community,” Albert Manero, CEO and co-founder of Limbitless Solutions, told UCF Today. “They are the real heroes, serving the community selflessly.”
The company’s swift shift in production to printing visors can be attributed to its experience in the medical device industry as well as its printing capacity. The lab is being operated under emergency protocols with only two critical staff members operating the production machines.
The effort is driven by Minnesota-based global 3D printing company Stratasys Ltd., which has received requests for more than 300,000 shields from medical providers.
As part of Limbitless’ contribution, each visor will feature one of four 3D printed messages, “hope,” “compassion,” “love” or “thank you.”
“The messages are meant to thank and pay tribute to those doing life-saving work during the pandemic,” Manero said.
“We were really drawn to the idea of using tech in our backyard to help a global community of people in need.”
Albert Manero, CEO and co-founder of Limbitless Solutions
Limbitless can produce between 100-200 visor components each week, which are then delivered to a separate location for assembly. To date, Limbitless has shipped 300 face shield components. Stratasys is working with multiple hospitals and organizations nationwide, including an additional 3D printing partnership with UCF’s Prototype Development and 3D Print Lab and Orlando Health.
While Limbitless may be a small local business, through this partnership the company can contribute to a worldwide effort and make an impact where it’s needed most.
