Jan 29, 2015 | By Kira
On Wednesday, January 28th, LeTourneau University engineering student Hans Nelson presented an extremely detailed, 3-foot long 3D printed model of the Atlantic Mercy, a soon-to-be-constructed private hospital ship built by international humanitarian organization Mercy Ships.
The impressive, 1:176-scale replica was built over three months and required 22 pounds of plastic as well as about 450 man and machine hours to complete. Aside from the wooden base, each of the 80+ pieces was 3D printed using a PolyPrinter Plus.
“It was a lot of fun, but it took a lot of time,” said Nelson. In the video below, he describes how his fellow graduate student David Wright began by creating the entire digital CAD file using only 2D drawings and images of each of the ship’s decks. Once that was done, Nelson dissected the model into individual components that would fit into the 9”x9”x9” build volume of his printer.
The extremely accurate replica leaves no detail unnoticed. Each staircase, antenna, and other small feature was individually printed by Nelson and then glued into place. In addition, the model was built to be taken apart so that the interior medical floor could be visible.
Nelson, along with LETU engineering dean Dr. Ron DeLap, unveiled the impressive project to Mercy Ships during GO WEEK, a special event wherein missions organizations share their ministries with the students of the Christ-centered university in Texas.
LETU was approached by Mercy Ships one year ago to discuss a partnership, the result of which is this truly amazing 3D printing feat. “I could not pass this opportunity up,” said Nelson. “I was a missionary kid for five years during my childhood in Africa. I have been exposed to the needs of the people there and this (Mercy Ships) is what the Gospel is all about, reaching the least, the last and the lost. This was a great way to serve the mission using my craft.”
“I get to sit down at the headquarters of our partners and share our vision,” said Mercy Ships Director of Corporate Relations Russ Holmes at the unveiling. “They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but having this 3D printed model will far outweigh any photo I could show them.”
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships works in more than 70 countries (mainly focused in West Africa), treating more than 2.5 million patients. The entire ship’s staff is made up of volunteers who sail to a country and dock for 10 months at a time in order to perform surgeries and offer eye, dental and other medical care needs. In addition, they provide training for local agricultures and health care professionals so that they can become more self-sufficient once the ship sets sail. “The key is training. That’s the biggest impact we can make, to provide training and education so their people don’t have to rely on organizations like the Mercy Ship,” said Holmes.
The Atlantic Mercy(working title) is set to be completed in 2017, and in the water by 2018. It will be the largest private hospital ship in the world, measuring no less than 174 meters in length (as much as two football fields) and weighing in at an incredible 37,000 tons. The ship will encompass 7,000 square meters of hospital space, including 6 operating rooms, an intensive care unit, clinical laboratory, diagnostic radiology, hospital supply, and pharmacy services. Their goal is to double the hope and healing provided to developing nations by providing free health care and palliative care for terminally ill patients.
Mercy Ships’ truly inspiring mission treats thousands of people every year who would otherwise not receive quality medical assistance, and with this 3D printed model in hand, they can proudly proceed with the construction of their latest and largest life-saving ship.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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