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SUNY Delhi Manufactures Key Parts for Protective Equipment During Pandemic

Mechatronics instructor Dennis Aikens runs production from home with 3D printer

by Riikka Olson

Delhi, NY (04/08/2020) — SUNY Delhi mechatronics instructor Dennis Aikens is running a small but vital 3D printing operation out of his kitchen. On his dining table, a computer and a monitor sit next to the 3D printer he brought home from the mechatronics department when the campus closed in March. Another table is taken up by washing and curing equipment. The whirring of the printer runs day and night as Aikens works ceaselessly to make key components for personal protective equipment and ventilators to help hospitals fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The part I'm creating is an attachment that connects medical N95 filters to scuba masks, creating a seal around the face," he explains. "While I only have one printer, it has very high accuracy so I'm able to do very fine adjustments to parts."

The printer churns out parts at a rate of eight to ten per day. Once inspected and approved, they will be attached to scuba masks, donated by Alpine Roofing from Sidney, NY, and distributed to local hospitals. Hospital personnel have expressed great appreciation for any help they can get to keep nurses equipped with protective gear as they care for critically ill patients.

Aikens stresses that the effort to assist hospitals has been a collaboration between many organizations. In addition to Alpine Roofing, SUNY Delhi has worked closely with ONC BOCES and Stanford University to coordinate efforts and share information. Delhi's mechatronics students have also played a role in helping Aikens with the 3D printing project by creating adjustments to parts with 3D software.

According to Aikens, the automation and manufacturing industry is full of innovation and opportunities to create the essential products and services our country needs the most, both in good times and when disaster strikes. SUNY Delhi's mechatronics graduates are well qualified for employment in these positions.

"The only thing holding us back right now is having enough material and time to print," Aikens says.

The student chapter of SUNY Delhi's Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has donated part of its annual budget to buy more resin. The mechatronics program is also using its own operating funds for materials so that Aikens can keep production running. A container of resin costs roughly $200 and can make 25-30 parts.

"We're doing the best we can with what we have," Aikens says. "It's wonderful to be able to use our equipment and professional skills to help. Our students are also learning the difference the manufacturing industry can make to keep America running in times like these."

Contact:
SUNY Delhi Instructor Dennis Aikens
Email: aikensdb@delhi.edu
Phone: (607) 746-4355

Media Attachments

SUNY Delhi mechatronics instructor Dennis Aikens shows the attachment pieces he is making for personal protective equipment with a high-accuracy 3D printer.

SUNY Delhi mechatronics instructor Dennis Aikens with a scuba mask with an adapted filter for PPE equipment.

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