Project DIAMOnD Provides 3D Printer to Produce Face Shields During Ongoing Pandemic
TROY, Mich. – Jan. 5, 2021 – MedSupply, a Troy-based supplier of PPE, durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics (DMEPOS) in Southeast Michigan, has announced it has received a grant from Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, to produce on-demand PPE as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The announcement was made by Mike Smith, Clinical Director, MedSupply.
The grant, part of the Project DIAMOnD (Digital, Independent, Agile, Manufacturing on Demand) initiative is funded through a $10 million grant Automation Alley received from Oakland County and a $2 million grant from Macomb County to provide direct support to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) for the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provided a 3D printer to MedSupply for the production of face shields. As needed, MedSupply will produce face shields for Automation Alley for distribution to essential workers in Oakland and Macomb County.
“MedSupply is honored to receive this grant and produce PPE to protect essential workers in Oakland and Macomb Counties,” said Smith. “With this 3D printer, we will be able to produce face shields quickly when needed. With this technology we also plan to produce other vital health care industry items, such as newer, lightweight innovative prosthetics.”
Project DIAMOnD was created to address the urgent need to move companies into the digital manufacturing age of Industry 4.0 as fast as possible to help improve the region’s manufacturing agility and response to future disruptions. As a grant recipient, MedSupply received a production part capable 3D printer. All grant recipients are required to remain on the network to produce PPEs for three years. At the same time, businesses may use the printers to produce other items to help grow their business and expand their product line.
Founded in 2003, MedSupply serves southeast Michigan with PPE, durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics. It is a leading supplier for health care entities, municipalities, businesses and individuals.