An estimated 38 million face-shield parts, 12 million nasal swabs, 2.5 million ear savers, 241,000 mask parts, and 116,000 ventilator parts were manufactured by non-traditional sources in the U.S. between February 15 and July 15, 2020, according to a report released by America Makes, which was funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A total of 364 participants across both communities were either surveyed or interviewed for the report on so-called additive manufacturing (AM) by non-traditional sources. Extensive media research and analysis also supported the findings of this report.
Based on this research, the report’s authors conclude that the “ultimate strength of American AM in response to regional or national emergencies is its flexibility. The flexibility of AM pervades three critical aspects of production: what, when, and where. Enormous latent capacity exists within the U.S. to quickly pivot and support a variety of emergency responses with AM, addressing even the most unpredictable needs.”
