The Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, part of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CIIRC CTU), handed the first fifteen “CIIRC RP95-3D” respirator prototypes to the Czech Ministry of Health to be tested directly in hospitals. The final model was successfully certified as a half-mask with FFP3 safety level on Friday March 20. It was tested directly by the Na Homolce hospital staff during their work over the weekend. Production of the mask on special 3D printers can begin. Today marking the occasion, Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch signed a memorandum about cooperation. The aim is to deliver as many pieces as possible, mainly to hospitals. The whole process is being coordinated in cooperation with the CzechInvest government agency which has among others helped to significantly speed up the process of receiving certification for this advanced respirator.
CIIRC CTU began the development of this protective device a week ago. Testbed for Industry 4.0 team, with a research infrastructure that is an integral part of the European Centre of Excellence RICAIP, focused on developing a 3D printable respirator using the HP MJF (MultiJet Fusion) technology. What under normal circumstances takes months, was solved in seven days. n close cooperation with the CzechInvest government agency and other partners it was possible to prepare the CIIRC RP95 model which received certification as a protective FFP3 class half-mask with exchangeable external filters. The mask can be used repeatedly and can be printed on 3D printers anywhere in the world.
“The goal from the beginning was to come up as fast as possible with a completely professional product that would be fully functional and will satisfy strict standards”, says prof. Vladimír Marik, Scientific Director of CIIRC CTU. “Our intention was to contribute towards solving the current crisis. We have succeeded thanks to the extraordinary commitment of a team of top researchers, technological equipment, but also due to inventive approach to problem solving. ”
“We are happy that we have successfully completed the first step. We have succeeded in preparing a model that will enable a quick use,” says Dr. Pavel Burget, Head of Testbed for Industry 4.0, and adds: “We are cooperating with a number of partners in launching the production right away. Škoda Auto provided their production capacity over the weekend and printed the first trial run. 3D Tech company helped with the development of a form for the silicone seal. 3Dees Industries prepared the production set and helped with prototype series.”
„Our next job in the coming days is to complete the prototype for the mass production,” says Dr. Vít Dočkal, head of CIIRC CTU Project Office, and adds: “We believe that with this new version we can achieve production of almost 10,000 pieces a day.” The Czech Society of Cardiology will be part of the further development of the mask.
Further information and 3D printer files are available at www.ciirc.cvut.cz/covid.