Exciting Projects Using 3D Printing for Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian aid is defined by the European Commission as “delivering life-saving assistance to those in need, without any adverse distinction.” This help is done outside the boundaries of politics, religion and the military in order to help those who are suffering due to natural disasters, war and more. But due to the chaos that is often on the ground due to these circumstances, it can be difficult to get care to everyone who needs it. Enter 3D printing. Increasingly, the technologies are being used to give quicker aid to people in conflict zones or areas that have been devastated due to environmental phenomena like hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. But what exactly is out there? In this listing, we took a closer look at some of the projects where additive manufacturing is being used for humanitarian relief. From construction of homes and schools to critical medical aid, see some of the exciting projects in the field.

Field Ready and 3D Printed Hospital Supplies in Haiti

Field Ready is an American non-profit charity dedicated to helping people living in disaster and conflict zones. To this end, it has launched numerous projects aimed at lifting people out of poverty and suffering around the world. The organization’s Haiti program is one of them. After the severe earthquake that struck the island in 2010, the country was faced with the great challenge of reconstruction. As part of this project, Field Ready used 3D printing technology to manufacture medical instruments. Numerous umbilical cord clamps, oxygen splinters, infusion bag hooks and prostheses were developed, as well as other materials needed by the hospital, such as buckets. In addition, the Field Ready team provided training in the basics of CAD and 3D printing, offering the people of Haiti concerned the chance to earn a living and break free from dependency.

Humanitarian Aid in Madagascar to Improve Education

Thinking Huts was founded in 2015 by Maggie Grout with the aim of providing access to education for people in need. The company’s first project, dubbed “Bougainvillea“, took seven years and resulted in building a 3D-printed school in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way in Fianarantsoa, which lies in south-central Madagascar. The East African island is so lacking in schools that, according to a UNESCO report, 97% of Malagasy children aged 10 can’t even read a single sentence. This makes Madagascar one of the most educationally disadvantaged countries in the world. With school overcrowding and long distances the main problem, it is estimated that around 22,000 schools are needed in Madagascar. Thinking Huts believes that 3D printing construction is the way forward to help address the need and help get more children in schools in the country.