Apr 29, 2020 10:30 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

As students across America rapidly adapt to a 'new normal' of online learning, one online manufacturing platform is championing student engineering innovation, sharing learning opportunities and facilitating the rapid production of vital medical equipment to fight COVID-19.

3D Hubs online platform enables engineers to upload their design, instantly receive a quote and rapidly start production via their network of global manufacturing partners. The rapid prototyping services offered by the company's global network help engineering students, academics, start-up companies, and international corporations increase the speed at which their projects are delivered. Now this online platform and its virtually unlimited production capacity are being harnessed to produce vital medical equipment for the treatment of COVID-19.

Engineering Innovators Helping Fight COVID-19

3D Hubs recognized that engineers from grassroots and not-for-profit organizations had strong initiatives for developing medical equipment vital in treating COVID-19 but often lacked the manufacturing capacity to facilitate the rapid production of quality components. 3D Hubs' COVID-19 Manufacturing Fund is connecting these engineers with the funds, manufacturing network and facilities needed to bring their initiatives to fruition. This has ensured tens of thousands of face shields are produced and shipped to hospitals and organizations both in the US and across the globe.

Turn a Revolutionary Idea Into a Real-Life Product

Game-changing products that will have a positive impact on the world are needed now more than ever. The 3D Hubs Student Innovation Grant provides an opportunity for innovators and engineering talents to win $1,000 in grant funding, exposure to global media outlets and access to technical support to turn their idea into a real-life product.

Students can experiment with 3D printing, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication techniques to create products that solve real-life problems. There are three different categories available to enter and applications are accepted until 28 June 2020.

Opportunities for Online Inspiration

While many aspects of daily life are currently on hold, students are working hard to ensure their education isn't put on pause by adapting to the new normal that is student life in the COVID-19 era. Online sources help students keep up to date and inspired within their field of education. Whether wanting to learn all about rapid CNC prototyping and CNC machining or to learn from leaders in the engineering and prototyping field, 3D Hubs are helping students to remain curious. Professional and aspiring engineers can join The Online Engineering Summit - a virtual summit featuring keynote speakers and Q and A sessions with industry leaders including AutoDesk - global 3D design, engineering and construction software creators. Sessions will be available online on demand.

In a rapidly changing world, 3D Hubs' online prototyping, manufacturing and production network is inspiring and empowering students, academics, medical professionals and community members across the globe.

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