Coronavirus: Mercedes-Benz Supports with Production of Medical Equipment

As measures to support and curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, automaker, Mercedes-Benz Group has offered its support with the production of medical equipment.

The automaker, in a statement, added that it is readily available to support the effort to stop the spread of the pandemic and in this regard has introduced 3D printing technology.

“Mercedes-Benz is ready: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone. Especially in times like these, it is important for Mercedes-Benz to meet its social responsibilities.” the statement said.

In a statement, a member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain, Jörg Burzer said; “With our highly competent team and years of experience in 3D printing technology, we are ready to make our contribution to the production of medical devices,” 

“To this end, we are also in contact with the state government of Baden-Württemberg.

"your expertise and specialist knowledge are available for production; now it is up to the medical technology sector to contact us and our 3D printers are definitely available.”

Mercedes-Benz already uses 3D printing machines to produce up to 150,000 plastic and metal components every year.

This capacity can now be fully utilized for medical purposes. All common 3D printing processes can be used from stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) to Selective Laser Melting (SLM).

Mercedes-Benz explaining the additive manufacturing added; “In additive manufacturing, digitally developed components are built up layer by layer in a “printer”.

The raw materials used include plastic and metal powders or resins which are fused by an energy source – usually one or more lasers. Once a layer is finished, a new layer is applied automatically and the solidification process starts again. This process is repeated until a three-dimensional component is created.”