Daimler says its 3D printers at Mercedes-Benz – used to produce automobile components in normal times – have been turned over for the production of medical equipment. Daimler says it is making its machines, know-how, and trained specialists available for the production of medical equipment to fight the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The company says it has gathered experience in the research and application of additive (3D) manufacturing over a period of 30 years and that as many as 150,000 components are 3D-printed annually at Daimler's car production plants.
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In normal times these components are primarily used in prototype construction and small-series production. This capacity can now be used in full for the production of medical equipment, Daimler says.
F1 team producing breathing aids
Daimler also says its Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is working together with six other Formula One teams in order to help. So-called CPAP breathing aids, which have been developed in record time by the University College London and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, are already in use in hospitals; the company's experts are currently producing more of these machines.
Supporting the set-up of a temporary hospital in India
In usual times, passenger cars for the India market are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Now Mercedes-Benz India is supporting the local authorities in their fight against the pandemic. The company has supported the setup of a temporary hospital in the town of Chakan, Khed in the Pune District. The facility was developed in record time and allows the medical treatment of up to 1,500 patients of COVID-19. Mercedes-Benz says it will continue to support the local authorities, for example with medical equipment.
