Deep tech startup Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, founded by IIT Madras Alumni, has collaborated with Saint-Gobain, a leading multinational company, to develop a 3D-printed doffing unit to protect India’s healthcare workers in the frontlines against COVID-19. Two doffings units have already been launched with the third one under construction.

The first such unit has already been deployed at a Government Hospital in Kancheepuram near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, while the second unit has been established at Omandurar Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. The Foundation Stone for the third Doffing Unit has been laid at Government Medical College and Hospital, Thiruvalluvar.

‘Doffing’ is the procedure of ‘effective and safe’ removal and proper disposal of PPE. The major advantage of a 3D Printed Doffing Unit is that the time spent by construction workers at the hospital, which will be filled with COVID-19 patients is minimal. The units are printed offsite with the only assembly happening onsite - the hospital. The particular structure was built using Tvasta’s 3D Printing facility in Perungudi, Chennai and transported to the construction site in a modular manner.

EPMCR, a design consulting agency based out of IIT Madras Research Park, partnered with Tvasta and Saint Gobain to ensure that the structure is designed optimally for reduced risk of exposure and easy sanitation.