3D printing applications during COVID-19 pandemic: a literature review

Abstract

The fast spread of COVID-19 around the world has generated significant impacts on the way societies lives, one of which is the scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in the front lines of combat against the virus. Sanitary insecurity has led populations and health professionals to a rampant search for protective equipment and other devices necessary for life maintenance, both for patients and professionals, revealing health system limitations during large-scale crisis, as the COVID-19 pandemic. On this paper, we aimed to present the initiatives of professionals and companies related to 3D printing to share programs and resources whose purpose is supplying workers in the front line, who have been important allies in combating the effects caused by coronavirus. A search was performed in four electronic databases: SCOPUS, BVS, EMBASE and MEDLINE via PUBMED. After analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a table of results was prepared with the main characteristics of the products manufactured and made available, as well as the institutions involved. It was concluded, therefore, that the applications of 3D printing in the initiatives had great contributions to public health and the additive industry during the pandemic period of COVID-19.