3D Printing as an Essential Service

A small start-up in Galway, Ireland, is putting their Figure 4 Standalone 3D Printer to work producing respirator replacement parts for local hospitals. One printer can produce eight small respirator parts in 70 minutes, or up to 1,100 per week.

Story Link: https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0323/1124893-devices/

For the past few days I’ve been trying to get to someone high enough in the Indian government to classify 3D printers and 3D printing material as essential/critical goods/services. I’ve been contacting our customers across the country and they have pledged their support to do whatever they can in the fight against COVID-19. But unfortunately, due to the lock down their offices are closed and their printers are not accessible. Even if they get permission from local authorities to open their offices they are running dangerously low on 3D printing material. We can’t supply them with material since its not classified as an essential item and shipments are stuck overseas.

This is an appeal going out to anyone who can connect me to the right people so that I can make my case. If you know anyone who can help me please message me.

In India COVID-19 is going to hit us hard. We need to use every tool at our disposal to defeat this pandemic.