ULA is 3D printing components of face shields. Photo: ULA

ULA has repurposed some of its 3D printing equipment to produce parts for face shields and ventilators to address the COVID-19 crisis, the launcher announced on Thursday. ULA is working with Project C.U.R.E. and 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys to distribute the protective equipment to hospitals across the country. 

ULA said that employees in Denver and Decatur, Alabama, are using open-source files and more than 10 pieces of 3D printing equipment to create protective gear, including components for face shields and ventilators. Some of the additive manufacturing machinery in use at ULA facilities is normally used to produce components for the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Several teammates, along with CEO Tory Bruno, are also using their own additive manufacturing machinery to produce the components at home. 

“As a company, our primary focus is fulfilling missions that are critical to national security throughout this public health emergency,” Bruno said. “I’m proud and thankful that we can also use our capabilities to protect medical professionals who are working to keep us safe and healthy.”