imPURE is a Horizon 2020 funded project which aims to create medical supplies through injection moulding systems that can protect the community from Covid-19. The aim is to transform the injection moulding production lines with modular moulds including interchangeable inserts, enabled by fast Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Medical components are manufactured, in particular masks, spike for vaccines and oximeters. All critical medical supplies are produced in less than 48hr, to be rapidly delivered to patients, vulnerable groups, and health care staff, due to the flexible adaptation of the modular moulds on the industrial production lines.
Within imPURE project, BioG3D contributed to the material development and selection workflow and fabrication of hybrid ceramic mould insert components that were produced by Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing and adapted to the mould assembly, allowing to reduce mould manufacturing costs and lead time, and enable on-demand mould fabrication for short-medium production runs of Critical Medical Supplies (CMSs). BioG3D also undertook the in vitro assessment of nanocomposite materials developed within imPURE project, that enhance decision-making throughout the material development and processing activities, as well as contributed to the definition of protocols for sterilization and end-of-life repurposing strategies for CMSs.
