'THE BIG PRINT' 3D PRINTING FACE SHIELDS FOR NHS AND FRONTLINE STAFF.
The TaylorMade team have joined The Big Print' setup by 3dCrowdUk and the fight to provide headbands & splash shields for NHS and frontline staff.
We are currently focusing all our efforts on printing as many headbands as we can on our flashforge creator pro 3d printer.
Image 1: Printing in process
Image 2: Finished headbands
Makers, designers, creators, hobbyists, architects and many others are all getting involved to produce the masks. In fact, 3DCrowdUK have seen 8000+ volunteers signing up with more each and every day. We are all connected through the communication program Slack where we can share progress, offer help and advice to each other, arrange delivery, and keep connected.
80,000 face shields are in production for the initial batch with over 600,000 shields being requested by key workers.
Image 3: The complete face shield
Image 4: Key worker wearing the shield
The face shields
We are using the current ‘Prusa rc3’ design which has been verified by local trust, practice and infection control committees. The printed mask comes in two parts: The headband and chin support. We are printing in PLA, though PETG is also accepted.
Once a batch of them are printed, they are distributed to a local collection hub where the clear visor, and elastic bands are fitted and then shipped off to the frontline.
Image 5: Stacked headbands for printing
Image 6: Chin supports for printing
Our Setup
We are following strict guidelines to ensure that our prints are kept clean and safe:
- A clean, dedicated space to print.
- Washing hands before touching filament.
- Wearing a mask during production/packaging.
- Keeping contaminants away from printing.
- Cleaning the bed in between prints.
If you have a 3d printer and would like to help, please ask. 3DCrowd is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles, not just printing. To find out more, visit https://www.3dcrowd.uk/
