Ferrari producing respirator valves, protective masks
Ferrari is the latest Formula 1 team to turn its efforts into helping fight the coronavirus crisis by producing valves for respirators and protective masks.
The Italian manufacturer is using its car prototype and F1 factory in Maranello to produce thermoplastic components using its existing tooling machines to ramp up the supply of medical devices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ferrari is the latest Formula 1 team to turn its efforts into helping fight the coronavirus crisis by producing valves for respirators and protective masks.
The Italian manufacturer is using its car prototype and F1 factory in Maranello to produce thermoplastic components using its existing tooling machines to ramp up the supply of medical devices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ferrari is also working alongside engineering firms Mares and Solid Energy to transform existing diving equipment and masks into emergency medical masks for carers to treat coronavirus patients in Italy.
“In the next few days, Ferrari plans to manufacture several hundred items of equipment that are already being distributed by some of the companies involved, with the coordination of the Italian Civil Protection, to various Italian hospitals including those in Bergamo, Genoa, Modena, and Sassuolo as well as to health workers in the town of Medicina, near Bologna,” a Ferrari statement confirmed.
Ferrari is now producing respirator valves and fittings for protective masks at its Maranello plant through its 3D printing facilities in support of health workers. Practical solutions for immediate aid where it is needed. #Ferrari https://t.co/ADIg28uYhK pic.twitter.com/cfYNiNHa7E
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 16, 2020
It marks the latest action taken by F1 teams to help against the health crisis, following the launch of Project Pitlane which involves all seven UK-based teams.
Mercedes has transformed its Brixworth engine factory to produce a breathing device which is less invasive than a ventilator and already has manufactured 10,000 units of the device.
McLaren is working in collaboration with Ford and Airbus to manufacture a new ventilator, while Renault and Red Bull joined forces to develop another ventilator device, but the project was eventually halted as it was not considered suitable for treating COVID-19 patients.
All F1 teams remain in the five-week shutdown period which has been pushed forward from August to March and April.
