COVID Breaktrough:
3D-Print Innovation

Lay3rs & ETZ

Lay3rs is entering into a partnership with the trauma team of Elisabeth Twee Steden Hospital (ETZ) in Tilburg. This collaboration has been established with the aim of revolutionizing medical care through 3D printing technology, especially during these challenging times when the world is dealing with the consequences of the coronavirus.

COVID scarcity

One of the first projects in this collaboration is the 3D printing of pipettes, indispensable tools for laboratory tests and blood analyses. These pipettes are crucial for the daily operation of the hospital, especially for diagnosing and treating patients. However, the challenges in the supply chain due to the coronavirus have affected their availability and delivery. Lay3rs tackled this challenge by utilizing Formlabs 3D printers, which allow for the local production of the needed pipettes.

Formlabs

The choice of Formlabs printers for this project was no coincidence. These printers are known for their precision, reliability, and ability to produce high-quality medical tools. By leveraging this technology, Lay3rs can quickly and efficiently manufacture essential items that meet the strict requirements of the medical field.

Pippettes

The printing process of the pipettes is just the beginning of what could be a much larger movement within the medical industry. After production, these pipettes will be thoroughly tested at ETZ to ensure they meet the necessary quality and safety standards. This step is crucial to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of 3D-printed medical tools, and to establish trust in these new production methods among medical staff and patients alike.

De Potentie van 3D printing

The collaboration between Lay3rs and ETZ illustrates the power of innovation and technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. It also highlights the potential of 3D printing as a flexible and responsive manufacturing method that can be adapted to specific needs, especially in times of crisis.

This partnership has far-reaching implications for the future of healthcare. It opens up new possibilities for the production of medical tools, where hospitals and care institutions are no longer entirely dependent on traditional supply chains. Instead, they can turn to local production methods, such as 3D printing, to quickly respond to unexpected shortages or specific needs.

Moreover, this approach could pave the way for personalized medical tools, tailored to the individual needs of patients. This would not only improve the quality of care but could also shorten recovery times and enhance the overall patient experience.

Technological advancement

The initiative by Lay3rs and ETZ is an inspiring example of how collaboration and technological progress can transform the way we think about medical care and the production of medical tools. It underscores the need for flexibility, precision, and speed.

Elisabeth tweesteden hospital (ETZ)

The ETZ (Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital) is a tertiary teaching hospital and trauma center. With three locations in Tilburg and Waalwijk, ETZ is the hospital for all residents of the Central Brabant region, and even (far) beyond.