3D Printing in Advanced Materials from Used PPEs—The State-of-the-Art Technology

Three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing has recently gained widespread interest because of its many advantages over traditional manufacturing methods including shorter fabrication times, simpler preparation processes, and the opportunity for rapid prototyping. Advanced materials with 3D printing have a low cost, high efficiency, design flexibility, and low environmental impact for the use of cutting-edge approaches in the building industry. The user's chosen 3D product is created using this innovative new technology, which is being hailed as the next manufacturing revolution and a universal industrial strategy. When it comes to supplying medical gadgets and dealing with the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, three-dimensional (3D) printing has proven to be a godsend and a technological breakthrough. However, there was a critical scarcity of face shields and masks for key employees as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which triggered a global health disaster. Nevertheless, the lack of essential one-time-use personal safety equipment (PPE) is becoming a global issue of rising concern. This chapter provides an overview of the use of 3D printing in advanced materials from used PPE during COVID-19. It compiles detailed information about freshly developed and manufactured safety gear such as face shields, field respiratory, and facemasks. 3D-printed medical gadgets and protective gear are explored, along with their benefits and limitations.