Materia Srl uses Sintratec 3D printer to help transform snorkeling masks into respirator equipment

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Materia Srl, based near Genoa, Italy, was one of the first companies in that country to acquire a Sintratec S2 3D printer for its production.

The compact selective laser sintering system was to be used primarily for engineering and prototyping purposes, but the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic in Italy at the beginning of March plunged the country into a state of emergency. Severe shortages of personal protective equipment prompted the company to help combat the crisis by focusing their work on 3D-printed equipment for the medical field.

Following the national health system’s request for alternative resources, a locally based diving equipment supplier, Mares, developed an adapter for snorkeling masks in cooperation with Materia Srl. With a 3D-printed component, the Sea Vu Dry+ snorkeling mask can be transformed into a functional face mask, suitable for artificial respiration in cases of respiratory failure.

Materia Srl quickly printed the first batch of adapters on the Sintratec S2 system and sent it to Mares for further usage. The subsequent process of modifying the masks to create a respirator is quick and straightforward.

Sintratec also was able to make a contribution through its Italian partner CMF Marelli: To support the company in production, the company provided print-ready Sintratec PA12 powder, from which the mask adapters are made, free of charge.

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