A consortium of significant UK industrial, technology and engineering businesses from across the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors, has come together
to produce medical ventilators for the UK.

The VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium is led by Dick Elsy, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Over the past two weeks the consortium has been working hard to investigate the production of a range of ventilator design options to meet a high-level specification for a rapidly manufactured ventilator system developed by clinicians and the MHRA.
For further information www.ventilatorchallengeuk.com

A digital manufacturer of prototypes and low-volume production parts is using its 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding expertise to support the frontline fight against COVID-19. Protolabs, which employs over 450 people at its European headquarters in Telford, has played a key role in supporting Italian engineers in the conversion of ‘Easybreath’ snorkelling equipment into ventilator masks.

The 3D-printed ‘Charlotte’ valves are being rapidly produced and shipped direct to its customer Isinnova, which is producing kits that can be used to create a non-invasive ventilator mask that will help save lives. The company is also urgently working with a multiplexed molecular diagnostics specialist to produce a series of plastic cassettes that will help house a critical medical solution used in testing for COVID-19.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

A major training provider has developed a new way of making sure apprentices are able to continue their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-Comm Training, which operates three technical academies in Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, will be delivering all courses via a virtual platform, ensuring its 750 learners still have access to industry-experienced trainers and assessors when they need them most. The ambition is to make it ‘business as usual’ where the firm can, with individuals able to complete tasks online using Google Classrooms or Microsoft Teams.
For further information https://in-comm.co.uk/

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, is supporting the national call for more ventilators.

The company, which is based in Bolton, has reconfigured its production to begin the manufacture of die-cutting discs for ventilator filters. At present, Bindatex is working with its customers, producing the parts, but is also able to support other manufacturers by providing the filters. The company has also brought in emergency plans for the company, in order to maintain high levels of health and safety for employees during the pandemic.
For further information https://bindatex.com/

HP Inc and its global digital manufacturing community are mobilising their 3D-printing teams, technology, experience and production capacity to help deliver critical parts in the effort to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 1000 3D-printed parts have already been delivered to local hospitals. HP’s 3D R&D centres in Barcelona, Oregon, San Diego, California and Vancouver are collaborating with partners around the world in a co-ordinated effort. Initial applications being validated and finalised for industrial production include face masks, face shields, mask adjusters, nasal swabs, hands-free door openers and respirator parts.
For further information www8.hp.com