During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for personal protective
equipment (PPE) has significantly outpaced the capabilities of the
traditional supply chain. Gowns, gloves, facemasks, and face
shields are valued commodities that even many healthcare providers
cannot secure in this environment. While traditional supply and
manufacturing chains struggle to keep up with production, industry
leaders have turned to 3D printing, or additive manufacturing
technology, to address this dire need. Unlike traditional
manufacturing methods, companies with already established additive
manufacturing technologies can more readily and efficiently adapt
their productions to manufacture such PPE. 3D printing
manufacturers may already have the powder or fabric necessary to
manufacture PPE. They also have versatile printers. These companies
simply need software and product design specifications, which
allows them to begin production much more quickly than companies
relying on traditional
