COVID-19 has hit all of our beloved cities, and most of us have known a few people who have had this terrible virus. Many hospitals are understaffed and actively seeking new employees to hire and train. Unfortunately, properly training someone can be hard, and getting hands-on a body to practice on can be difficult and most times impossible. A hospital in the UK received help from Lifecast Body Sim, a company that used 3D laser scanning and printing to help create bodies to practice on.
These aren’t real human bodies. Lifecast Body Sim used 3D laser scanning and printing to create accurate mannequins for UK nurses and doctors to use during training for COVID-19. For the last year, we have been finding ways to use this amazing technology to create PPE, Training solutions, and more. Many tech companies that were once known for unique things turned their attention to helping the doctors in need.
Lifecast Body Sim was previously known to produce life-like mannequins for a 1998 film called “Saving Private Ryan.” This technology has been used for many movies but now is taking on greater meaning as it helps us fight an ongoing battle to stop the spread of COVID-19. The more accurate the doctors can train, and understand the human body, the more lives they can save.
How does 3D laser scanning work
This technology is some of the most advanced globally, but it is actually easy to use. It works by taking rapid pictures of an object, all the while using lasers to capture precise measurements and details.
Lasers work by projecting from the tool, and each line of light is being measured by the distance it travels. Not all 3D laser scanning devices are the same; they now come in different forms and may have various capabilities. However, the idea is the same for many of them.
How does 3D printing work
Printers work like this. Once the information is gathered by the 3D laser scanning device, data is inputted into the printer, acting like a giant computer. The data gives the printer directs and layer by layer, it prints out material that will then harden into a shape. To get an accurate print or model, you will want to ensure that the 3D laser scanning device picked up every piece of information there was to gather.
What else have they done with this technology
3D laser scanning has not only provided mannequins for training, but it has also helped create face shields and face masks. Many nurses and doctors hated wearing the PPE gear because it was not meant to be worn all day. It came in a one size fits all size, and it was not practical for rushing around the hospital. 3D laser scanning made it possible to create custom made personal protective gear.
Final thoughts
We continue to see 3D laser scanning emerge, and we know it will be huge in 2021. We have seen many companies turn their attention to helping doctors and hospitals around the world. 3D printers continue to be a useful pair with the scanning.