3D Printing During COVID-19

COVID-19 has led to extraordinary demand for medical equipment and supplies. Global supply chain interruptions means the need for certain medical devices, including personal protective equipment (PPE), outpaces the available supply. To respond to this demand, organizations are using 3D printing and other innovative manufacturing processes to produce urgently required medical devices, including PPE and ventilator parts. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing approach where successive layers of raw material are printed and piled until a solid 3D object is formed.

As part of Health Canada's response to the pandemic, the regulator has released guidance on 3D printing and manufacturing PPE. Below we highlight the Canadian regulator's approach, as well as important considerations for manufacturers, importers and distributors of COVID-19 related medical devices.