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Amid surging demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), many frontline workers face shortages of supplies critical to fighting the pandemic.  — cofounded by �ؾ��� alum Michael Storey (BA ’06) and Matt Pray — has joined with other leading 3D printing companies to serve health care providers in need.

“We at Beckatt Solutions feel strongly that 3D printing can play a critical role in sustaining the efforts of medical staff in their fight against COVID-19,” Storey said. “We are fortunate to be in a position to help aid the availability of these critical tools for hospitals and other frontline personnel.”

Beckatt Solutions is a technology and 3D printing solutions company based in the Chicago area. The company is offering its resources and capacity on all 3D printers to hospitals facing immediate delivery shortages. Beckatt Solutions has also joined a nationwide network of 3D printing companies, experts and designers to support hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak.

The two-pronged initiative, led by 3D printer manufacturer , connects hospitals with local 3D printing hubs so that health care organizations can quickly print and receive necessary tools. Storey’s company is printing 3D components for face-shield visors while other local printing hubs create nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing kits and respirator parts.

“We feel it’s our responsibility to our community and the broader medical community to act,” Storey said. “Corporate social responsibility is one of the values we built our company on, and we believe strongly in making an impact in our community.”

BECOMING A BUSINESS LEADER

Storey studied political science and psychology as a �ؾ��� student. A decade and a half later, he says that his classes honed the skills that he still uses as a business owner: critical thinking, interpersonal skills, effective communication and problem-solving.

“�ؾ���’s commitment to social responsibility had a direct impact on not only my personal values, but also our corporate philosophy,” said Storey, who also serves on the board of directors for Food for Greater Elgin. “It was inspiring to see the example set by professors, administrators and staff.”

In 2013, Storey and Pray co-founded Beckatt Solutions to expand the reach of 3D printers, services and partners in the United States. Today the company is a leading distributor of 3D printers, print materials and software, with its headquarters in Elgin, Illinois and offices in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Minneapolis.

“Overall, I would say my experiences at �ؾ��� have helped develop me as a leader in my industry and within my community,” the alum said. “Attending �ؾ��� was instrumental in my ability to successfully transition into my career.”

THE FUTURE OF 3D PRINTING

As 3D printing becomes more common, Storey believes that the increasingly affordable manufacturing method will fuel global innovation. He envisions a future made possible by 3D printing: affordable modular housing for emergency responses, sustainable trips to the Moon and Mars, even 3D printing replacement organs for ailing patients.

“It’s exciting to me to see colleges and schools who have embraced the technology and are bringing it to their students,” he said. “These students will be using 3D printers when they enter their careers, and those who have access to the technology in the classroom will have an advantage.”

When the �ؾ��� libraries reopen, students and faculty will again have access to the school’s 3D printers for academic projects.