Protolabs is supporting efforts to curtail the spread of coronavirus by using injection molding, 3D printing, CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication to create medical products. Vice President Robert Bodor discusses how the company's newfound focus has affected production lines, its supply chain and safety protocols.

A survey from VDMA, Germany's mechanical engineering association, reveals the percentage of mechanical engineering companies whose operations have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic rose to 84% from 60% nearly two weeks ago. Nearly half of those affected said they suffer from "serious" or "noticeable" supply chain disruptions.

Mechanical engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have found a way to create an in vitro model for studying tumors that mimics the tunable stiffness of a collagen-based extracellular matrix. The team induced collagen to create micron-scale bundles, which were then aligned by a microfluidic channel.

Engineers at Johns Hopkins University are leading an effort to develop and prototype a 3D-printed splitter that allows a single ventilator to treat multiple coronavirus patients. The design includes a filter that helps prevent cross-contamination as well as features that allow clinicians to track and customize air flow for each patient.

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing companies to embrace the employee experience, adopt more sophisticated video collaboration tools and find new ways to foster culture, writes Peter Ballard. It could also lead to more companies filling business continuity voids, embracing remote work and reducing travel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is accepting comments until May 29 regarding potential regulation of autonomous vehicles that do not have manual controls. The notice of proposed rulemaking is limited to the issue of crashworthiness standards, with separate notices expected regarding telltales, indicators, alerts and warnings.

As many as 200 crew members aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for the coronavirus and the entire crew of 5,000 now must be isolated, commander Capt. Brett Crozier said. The Roosevelt is in Guam, and infected sailors -- accounting for nearly a third of all US military coronavirus infections globally -- are being hospitalized as the crew undergoes further testing.

Raytheon has signed on to produce and deliver Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors to the Navy under a new $2.1 billion US Missile Defense Agency contract. The ballistic SM-3 can be launched from land or sea and is used by the Navy to target short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

Northrop Grumman will receive a sole-source Navy contract to begin low-rate initial production of the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range. The missile uses the same sensors, electronics and warheads as its predecessor, but comes with a larger rocket engine, tail upgrades and a short strake.

Austal USA will perform post-shakedown availability work on the littoral combat ship USS Kansas City under a $7.7 million Pentagon contract. The work will take place in San Diego and will include manpower, support services and nonstandard equipment.