Printing a Solution

Armed with 3D printers, students and faculty across Texas A&M have contributed to the fight against COVID-19 by manufacturing medical equipment for front-line workers.

This spring, the College of Engineering produced more than 400 spacers for metered dose inhalers for Houston Methodist Hospital and created 550 comfort straps to help medical workers avoid strain on their ears while wearing masks. Texas A&M engineers also collaborated with doctors to design isolation chambers for patients.

In addition, in April and May, the colleges of architecture and engineering produced more than 8,000 face shields for health care professionals. “3D printing is a quick way to prototype a project,” said Dawn Jourdan, executive associate dean for the College of Architecture. “It’s the perfect engine to accelerate invention and production.”