As the coronavirus crisis continues, many manufacturing companies have been responding to the shortage of medical equipment by making their own versions. Maingear, originally a manufacturer of custom PCs, is one of those who has now confirmed it is working on ventilators to help support those affected by the outbreak. With increasing waves of ailing patients and emergency responders struggling to keep up, especially in cities like New York, the efforts of these companies to shift their manufacturing capabilities has proven vital in the race to save lives.
With COVID-19 being a virus that attacks the respiratory system, in the most serious of cases it can affect a persons's ability to breath properly. With the expectation that a vaccine is still more than a year away from being ready, the private sector has been routinely stepping in to help cope. From more accessible testing options for people that believe they're sick, to online tutorials on how to make homemade medical masks, the response from the global community has been resounding. However, few things remain as important as the need for more ventilators.
Ventilators have become an essential tool for hospitals battling the increase in the number of patients that require assistance with breathing, with the alternative being those affected facing long-term health issues, or even death. Following the likes of Dyson and Tesla, Maingear has announced it too is now redirecting its manufacturing efforts to build ventilators.
Maingear Helping With Ventilator Shortage
Within a short space of time, Maingear was able to design the ventilators with the help of medical experts and a program currently being used in countries including Italy and Switzerland. Using 3D printing to mass produce the product, each ventilator can be operated by a tablet, although the tablet is not necessary for the product to function. In addition, it is a cheaper solution as well, with the company stating that its ventilator costs one-quarter of the price of traditional machines. One of the reasons for this is the company is not technically sourcing specialized equipment but using parts already available to it, including PC cases, to build the ventilators. Further adding to its usefulness, the company has also confirmed the specifications can be upgraded through the software. While the ventilator still requires FDA approval, the company is hoping the extreme circumstances will help to fast-track the process.
While Maingear is only one of the companies who have stepped up to help with the manufacturing of parts and equipment, collectively the show of force of the private sector has been growing. Considering the severity of the virus and how quickly it can spread, the more companies that do help, whether financially or in terms of research and manufacturing, the better chance communities and countries have to starve the virus. The fact Maingear's solution also happens to be a cheaper ventilator makes it all the better, and increases the chances of it becoming more widely adopted by hospitals in regions most affected by coronavirus.
Source: Maingear