In a world where technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, the Advanced Design and 3D Printing Technology Unit (UTADI 3D) at the Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid stands out as a pioneering department in integrating innovations to improve patient health and treatments. This unit has achieved significant advancements in 3D printing of “Mold and Guide Elements for Brachytherapy,” a highly effective cancer treatment.
These achievements have not only improved the precision of treatments but also significantly reduced production times and costs.
However, implementing this innovative technology is not without challenges. During the 3D printing process, safety issues related to the reduction of oxygen concentration in the workspace were identified. The reduction of oxygen can be caused by the accumulation of gases derived from the chemical transformation processes of the materials used (resins and thermoplastic filaments) in printing. These gases can pose health risks to workers, such as dizziness, headaches, and in extreme cases, suffocation, making it evident that an effective solution was needed to ensure a safe working environment.
To address this challenge, the hospital implemented Torsa’s Borea System. This IoT sensor network system allows real-time monitoring of oxygen levels, temperature, and relative humidity in the 3D printing area. Borea’s technology not only immediately alerts to any dangerous decrease in oxygen concentration but also provides historical analysis of levels, helping to identify patterns and prevent future incidents.
Since the implementation of the Borea System, the Hospital 12 de Octubre has seen a notable improvement in the safety and efficiency of its 3D Printing Unit. Workers now operate in a safer environment, with the reassurance that any changes in environmental conditions will be detected and addressed immediately. Additionally, the historical data analysis allows for better planning and optimization of processes.
The experience at the Hospital 12 de Octubre demonstrates the potential of sensor networks and industrial IoT in the supervision of complex processes. The ability to monitor in real-time and analyze historical data opens new possibilities for improving safety and efficiency in 3D printing and other industrial processes. The success of the Borea System in this project marks a milestone in the integration of advanced technology for enhancing medical treatments and protecting personnel.
Discover how advanced technology can transform safety and efficiency in industrial processes. Learn more about the Borea System and its positive impact on 3D printing and other sectors. Join us at the forefront of technological innovation to improve health and workplace safety.
Statement from the Hospital 12 de Octubre:
“The activity of additive manufacturing in the hospital environment must be a safe process, just like in the industrial field.
The UTADI 3D at our hospital has been implemented with the safety of professionals in mind, complying with technical requirements for air conditioning, electrical safety, and chemical exposure risks defined for the manufacturing area.
Since the manufacturing process of various technologies (FDM, SLA) involves the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFP), it is advisable to have an O2 sensor capable of detecting oxygen concentration in the manufacturing area.
Recently, TORSA GLOBAL installed a monitoring station for us that records temperature and relative humidity and includes an O2 sensor. This monitoring will allow us to record these three parameters, two of which are required for implementing the quality management system under the UNE EN-ISO 13485:2018 standard. This monitoring station has been exclusively designed for the UTADI 3D and is called 12O.
We are proud to be the first 3D printing unit in a Spanish hospital to have this technology.”
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