Worcester-based Gtech is making public the design details of a medical ventilator which could be manufactured in a matter of days to help in the fight against COVID-19. Nick Grey, owner of Gtech began working on the project after being contacted by Gareth Rhys Williams, the Government’s chief commercial officer, who asked if Gtech could assist in making up to 30,000 medical ventilators in as little as two weeks.

“We have designed the ventilator entirely from parts that can readily be made from stock materials or bought off-the-shelf,” says Grey. “This means that if government approves and wants our ventilators, they can be made by almost any engineering and manufacturing company. Gtech could produce around 100 per day within a week or two providing we could find steel fabrication and CNC machining companies to help us make some of the parts.”
For further information www.gtech.co.uk

In order to support the national effort for coronavirus ventilator production, fluid expert ITW Rocol is on hand.

The company’s OT20 lubricant has been formulated specifically for ventilators used in hospital wards and operating theatres. Rocol OT20 is considered a ‘fit and forget’ lubricant that is compatible with most plastics and non-metallic seals used on breathing apparatus.
As an oxygen-compatible lubricant primarily designed for breathing apparatus, OT20 lengthens re-lubrication periods due to its ability to resist degradation in hostile conditions. Rocol OT20 is also a high-load grease that means it can be deployed in range of aggressive environments with a temperature range from -70 to +100°C.
As it does not have a detrimental effect on rubbers, plastics or metals, it is suitable for valves, slides, gearboxes, and both plain and anti-friction bearings.
For further information www.rocol.com

Engineers, anaesthetists and surgeons from the University of Oxford and King’s College London are working in partnership to test prototypes of a rapidly deployable ventilator that can be manufactured using techniques and tools available in well-equipped university and SME workshops.

The team, led by Oxford professors Andrew Farmery, Mark Thompson and Alfonso Castrejon-Pita, and King’s College London’s Dr Federico Formenti, has been working to define novel mechanisms of operation that will meet the required specifications
for safe and reliable function. The design aims to exploit off-the-shelf components and equipment.
For further information https://oxvent.org/

Machine Tool Sales Online, part of the Vigilance Group, is offering to lend quality used CNC or manual machine tools – and/or engineering equipment – to any UK company involved in the manufacture of COVID-19 related emergency medical equipment.

The idea is the brainchild of Vigilance CEO, Dave Andrew, who says: “We have over £1m of quality used machines in stock at our Bristol facility. These machines can provide a real lifeline to companies who either need to ramp up their production and distribution of NHS ventilators and associated equipment, or who have transformed their existing production operations to manufacture much needed medical equipment.” Companies that want to find out more about MTSO’s offer, and the range of used CNC and manual machines available should, in the first instance, call 0117 965 2706.
For further information www.machinetoolsalesonline.com

UK-based Formula 1 teams, together with engine manufacturers and their respective technology arms, are evaluating support for the manufacture of respiratory devices in response to the Government’s call for assistance.

All of the teams have expert design, technology and production capabilities, and specialise in rapid prototyping and high-value manufacturing, which it is hoped can be applied to the critical needs set out by government.
Working with Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, UCL and University College London Hospitals, the teams are evaluating a number of routes in conjunction with existing manufacturers and organisations from the aerospace and automotive sectors. It is anticipated this work, which is being rapidly progressed, will produce a tangible outcome in the next few days.
For further information www.formula1.com