A Dubai based 3D printing company is supporting frontline workers in UAE in their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Proto21 is based in Jebel Ali and has started manufacturing essential protective gear in its laboratories turned manufacturing hub since past few weeks.

The team at this company has already delivered over 1000 reusable 3D printed protective face shields for use by Dubai police officials.

This company which was established just two years back is also actively supporting county’s medical team. The firm is manufacturing ventilator splitters and components to increase working capacity of ventilators.

With aim to assist UAE’s medical sector growth, Proto21 is supplying Charlotte valves, free of cost. These valves are used in reusable snorkel full face masks. The snorkel masks have been widely used in Italy due to equipment shortage in hospitals. The startup in Italy, Isinnova, produced a 3D printed adaptor that could convert a snorkeling mask into oxygen delivering equipment. The critical treatment procedure of delivering oxygen therapy is beneficial to improve coronavirus patient’s condition. Thus this innovation was successful in Italy. Similar technology is being used in UAE now to support medical facilities.

Pir Arkam, the founder and chief executive of Proto21 said that Dubai has been a solid base to help his company grow. He further elaborated, “Dubai provides the most conducive environment for people willing to put in their best efforts. The support you get as a local manufacturer is enormous and I had a great opportunity to work with major government and private organizations in Dubai and UAE to help meet their 3D printing requirements. In a span of 2 years, we have tripled our revenues and had exponential growth.”