The coronavirus pandemic is quite tragic, and we cannot help but compare it to the previous outbreaks. Spanish Flu and Black Death did not happen during the period when we could easily plan an adventure to the moon. So due to lack of technology, it was difficult to save quite a lot of people. 

However, today humanity, along with 3D Printers, has come to the rescue to defeat coronavirus. You read that right. In Italy, two volunteers helped save the lives of at least ten patients by printing medical equipment with their 3D printers.

Source: Makezine

Due to the increasing number of corona cases in Italy, hospitals ran out of the valves needed in the treatment for the patients. The manufacturers that usually supplied the device were unable to produce it in such a huge quantity according to Metro, and so the lives of some victims were at risk.

To solve this issue, a 3D printer was suggested by some experts, and two workers of Italian startup Isinnova came to the rescue. They offered their company’s printers to replicate the valves produced by the manufacturer.

Source: The Verge

So basically the valve that the suppliers were making for $11000 is now available for just $1, thanks to Cristian Fracassi and Alessandro Ramaioli. Not all heroes wear capes. However, in the world of heroes, we also have supervillains, and most of them are angry capitalists who now want to sue the pair for offering their services.

Initially, Fracassi and Ramaioili asked the manufacturer for blueprints to make the process of 3D printing easier, but they refused. They even went as far as threatening them with a court order of patent infringement according to Business Insider Italia. But Cristian and Alessandro were unfazed and did it anyway. They measured the valves and printed three different versions for hospital use.

Source: Today’s Medical Development

The good news is that the device proved to be effective in the first try. Massimo Temporelli, the founder of Italian manufacturing solutions company FabLab, helped in hiring these two individuals. The company has stated that up till 14th March, their contribution has saved ten patients.

Fracassi responded to the appreciation and backlash on social media by posting on his Facebook. “[The patients] were people in danger of life, and we acted. Period. We have no intention of profit in this situation, we are not going to use the designs or product beyond the strict need for us to be forced to act, we are not going to spread the drawing.”

Source: Facebook

Italy’s minister of Technological Innovation, Paola Pisano, also shared the pictures of the printed valves on her Twitter. She appreciated Fracassi for his work and thanked others who helped him achieve this feat in such a short time.

Source: Fast Company

The fact that local citizens have risen to service when capitalists are still thinking about making money is the real victory over the coronavirus.

Italy’s total has crossed 31,500, and the confirmed fatalities have increased to 2500. The number is now predicted to decrease, and we hope peace and order are restored soon in the region.