3D printers prove extremely useful in the Corona crisis: Nikola Djordjevic from Freising prints protective shields for Bavaria's clinic staff. Anyone who wants can support his "Help4Helpers" association.
Freising - 3D printers are often laughed at as toys for technology fans, but in times of Corona they do a valuable job. Together with two colleagues, the Freising Nikola Djordjevic regularly prints protective shields for hospitals in Bavaria. The 27-year-old has now founded the "Help4Helpers" association (help for helpers) in order to be able to provide even better help in the future where there is a need.
Close cooperation with the providers
Djordjevic from Freising, Benjamin Zöttl from Augsburg and Artur Winter from Erfurt work for a Munich IT service provider - currently from home. About three weeks ago, Winter told his colleagues about friends who work in the hospital that protective masks and shields were in short supply at the Augsburg hospital - as in so many medical facilities. "Benjamin knew that Artur and I have 3D printers," says Djordjevic. The men didn't hesitate long: they made plans, got PET plastic and got started - the first signs were ready in a few days. Right from the start, they worked closely with the carriers, obtained feedback and optimized the design.
“Within three weeks the core team grew to 13 people. There are also 30 volunteers, especially students from the University of Augsburg, ”says Djordjevic. "They have time and knowledge and are allowed to use the university workshops." It is practical that everyone brings different skills that complement each other.
This is where they work: one of the ten 3D printers.
© private
"It's a lot of work, but it's really fun"
Djordjevic and his team are now working on ten printers - not together, of course, but each for themselves. The exchange takes place digitally. "We already have over 500 orders, all of which are submitted as donations." Customers of the reusable, disinfectable shields include the clinics in Freising and Augsburg, and the Isar on the right in Munich. “It's a lot of work, but it's really fun. It's nice to see how quickly you can achieve a lot, ”sums up the 27-year-old.
The Help4Helpers association has now been founded so that the committed young people no longer have to finance production out of their own pockets but can receive donations. The Freisinger Bank was the first company to support the project with 1,000 euros. Now the team is hoping for imitators. "We don't want anything for it, except maybe a thank you," emphasizes Djordjevic.
"We want to be a point of contact"
The idea of the three men is not entirely new. "We knew that there was already a movement for hospitals," says Djordjevic. As reported, two teachers from the state vocational school center recently used 3D printers to make protective shields for the Corona test station in Zolling. In order to network various helpers, Djordjevic and his colleagues, who already work with the Freising association Fablab, are currently building the website www.help4helpers.org. "We want to be a point of contact for people who want to help but may not yet know how."
The team is currently working on expanding production. "Logistics, quality control, warehousing: there are still many challenges." Djordjevic, who has Serbian roots, can imagine delivering shields abroad if needed. In any case, the association should continue to exist after the Corona crisis - for exchange for people who want to get involved.
Info and donation account
Information about the association at www.help4helpers.org, donation account: Freisinger Bank, IBAN: DE85 7016 9614 0000 5002 16.
News in the district of Freising
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