IME Attacks COVID-19 on Multiple Fronts
IME Group of Companies has been the leading CAD/CAM solutions provider in Malaysia since 1980 and is the certified Mastercam Reseller for the entire country. These days, IME is making a name for itself in quite a different way. The company is happily doing its part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and relieve hospitalized patients.
Amanda Teoh, Operations Manager, said, “In this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, we as part of the community want to do as much as we can to support our country. Apart from doing our part in observing social/physical distancing and personal hygiene habits, we joined forces with groups of enthusiastic engineers and scholars to produce PPE for front-liners in need.”
IME looked into several projects before deciding which one was the most feasible. Among the possibilities were a project that converted scuba masks into N95 masks, a project that produced automated resuscitators, and a project that fabricated isolation gowns, caps, and other medical garments. IME staff and volunteers are currently working on a face shield made through 3D Printing and eventually plastic injection.
The masks are used by medical professionals to protect themselves from the virus. Once the project launched, IME was quick to design and prototype the best possible masks. The project was made possible through their network in the industry; they collaborated with a Government-Linked agency, mold-maker, and plastic injection manufacturer.
To date, IME and their volunteers have produced and distributed 20,000 face shields to more than 20 hospitals and clinics in Malaysia, including Sungai Buloh Hospital, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (UMMC), Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital, Bintulu Hospital, Klinik Kesihatan Selayang, Klinik Kesihatan Senawang, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, and Hospital Angkatan Tentera (MINDEF). The IME team continues to work as hard as they can to maintain their mask production. IME has recently kicked off the second phase of the project, which focuses on producing another 20,000 masks to first responders like those in the police force, army, and fire fighting force.
Teoh shared that IME’s morale is strengthened by the initiative and compassion of its volunteers, its customers, and other businesses. “It is indeed a humbling experience to work alongside groups of professionals who put aside all differences and work together as a team remotely, and most have not even met each other before. The power of people working together towards the same goal is phenomenal, and proves that if we work together, we are limitless!”