Espaitec, the Science and Technology Park by means of the Vice-Rectorate of Research and Transfer, along with the Universitat Jaume I, has made available all the equipment of its FabLab (3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines) to the Generalitat Valenciana’s Health Authorities to manufacture parts for face shields and masks, and to automate manual breathing systems.
From FabLab, the Universitat Jaume I prototyping laboratory is following action protocols and also testing preliminary open-source designs. It is also waiting to know the official mechanisms from Health authorities to produce and deliver materials against COVID-19.
It is worth stressing that FabLab forms part of the UJI.>LAB project, which is included in Espaitec’s innovative projects and has been financed by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE).
Espaitec collaborates with Hackerspace in the CoronavirusMakers initiative
Espaitec collaborates with the Hackerspace university association in an innovative initiative led in Spain by the CoronavirusMakers community that strives to produce healthcare protective equipment and materials by 3D printing and open-source designs.
The Hackerspace university association, which is based at Espaitec, undertakes technological projects along with activities related to electronics, robotics, 3D printing and drones. It also performs actions related to diffusing science and technology, and promoting the use of free software and hardware.
The CoronavirusMakers initiative is a network of collaborators that operates nationwide, set up to produce protective equipment and materials for health workers and other workers exposed to COVID-19 so they are protected and can work safely. CoronaMakers, as they are known, have started manufacturing face shields devised for those professionals who come into direct contact with people infected by the virus.
The CoronavirusMakers project has extended to all the Spanish autonomous communities, where teams have been formed and organised to manage the creation and logistics of useful products for healthcare workers against coronavirus, which will be distributed to main hospital centres.
This network of collaborators is formed by doctors, engineers, designers, student associations, teachers or nurses, as well as institutions like schools or businesses that have placed their 3D printers at the disposal of this initiative.
