CIIRC CTU began the development of this protective device a week ago. The team of researchers involved in the European Center of Excellence RICAIP focused on developing a respirator printable on 3D printers using MJF (MultiJet Fusion) technology. What normally takes months has been resolved in seven days. In close cooperation with CzechInvest and other partners, the CIIRC RP95 has been certified as a FFP3 class respirator with removable external filters. The mask can be reused and produced on 3D printers anywhere in the world.
“We welcome the protective mask developed by CIIRC CTU. It is a solution that can help protect the most vulnerable field workers. We agreed with CIIRC CTU and the suppliers involved to deliver 600 pieces of these masks by the end of the week, ”said Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health and indicated what was confirmed by the memorandum. “Since the beginning of April, this will raise to 500 pieces a day. At the same time, they are developing a way to increase production capacity to up to ten thousand units a day. All participating entities work on a voluntary basis, we will only pay for the material used in 3D printing. ”
Today's memorandum of cooperation was signed by the Minister of Health and Rector of CTU, Vojtěch Petráček, together with Trix Connection, a cooperating start-up of CTU which is, as usual at leading foreign universities, responsible for ensuring cooperation with manufacturing companies and bringing research to successful implementation.
“We are pleased to have successfully completed our first step. We have managed to prepare a model that will allow for quick use, ”explains Dr. Pavel Burget, Testbed Manager for Industry 4.0, adds: “We are working with a number of partners in order to start production immediately. Škoda Auto provided its capacity over the weekend and printed its first test batch. 3D Tech helped develop the mold for silicone gaskets. 3Dees Industries has set up the production line and helped with the prototype series. ”
CzechInvest managed to contact the manufacturer of external filters, the Czech company Sigma Group from Lutín. At the weekend, the CIIRC CTU team was handed over the first shipment of filters directly from the hands of the CEO of CzechInvest, Ing. Patrik Reichla. “The SIGMA Research and Development Institute in Lutín produces filters with a universal thread for which the half mask is adjusted. As we see it, it is also important that it is a domestic manufacturer. We will coordinate the next steps with the management of the company to ensure the supply of the appropriate number. ”
“During the development of the mask, we had to solve a number of problems and consultations with other experts helped us. For example, the team of František Mach from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen was involved in optimizing the design of the silicone exhalation valve, ”as Ing. Alexandr Lazarov from CIIRC CTU 3D laboratory explained the last demanding days of development.
Given that MJF technology is only available at a limited number of workplaces in the Czech Republic, scientists are now focusing on a respirator for mass production in the form of plastic injection. This will increase capacity and greatly expand the range of companies that will be able to engage in production. "Our next task for the next few days is to complete the mass production variant," says Dr. Vít Dočkal, head of the CIIRC CTU Project Office, adds: “We believe that thanks to this new series it will be possible to produce up to 10,000 pieces per day in the Czech Republic.”
More info will be published at www.ciirc.cvut.cz/covid.
Photo: Roman Sejkot CIIRC ČVUT
