In usual times, the 3D printers at Mercedes-Benz produce automobile components. Now Daimler is making its machines, know-how, and trained specialists available for the production of medical equipment.

As many as 150,000 components are 3D-printed annually at Daimler’s car production plants. In usual times these components are primarily used in prototype construction and small-series production. This capacity is now used in full for the production of medical equipment. See the film on https://youtu.be/GjTNernMVfk. 

The Formula One Team is developing and producing breathing aids.

Many of the competing F1 teams have joined their forces and are now working at high speed to produce breathing aids. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is working together with six other Formula One teams in order to help. So-called CPAP breathing aids, which have been developed in record time by the University College London and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, are already in use in hospitals; the company’s experts are currently producing more of these machines.

In France, the PSA Group and Valeo are contributing volunteer workers, factory space and technical expertise to help France ramp up domestic production of ventilators to help coronavirus victims.

This venture, led by ventilator maker Air Liquide Medical Systems, seeks to produce 10,000 units by the middle of May.

PSA said it would build mechanical components of the ventilators in its factory in Poissy, west of Paris. There 50 volunteers will be involved, a further 50 at PSA’s technology center in Velizy. Final assembly of the units will be in Air Liquide’s nearby factory in Antony.

Valeo will lend its expertise by putting some of its purchase department staff in charge of supplier management and working out the procurement process. It will provide R&D support, and expertise in plastics and mechanical and electronic technologies. Valeo production engineers will help set up processes and training.

The effort is widespread: some 100 other French companies have been enlisted to provide parts and technical support.

Worldwide efforts…  

Other carmakers and suppliers in China, Europe and the US have announced plans to build medical equipment and face masks. Among them are BYD, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, GM, McLaren, Tesla and Volkswagen.

For example, Lamborghini has started making face shields and face masks at its plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

Hans Knol ten Bensel