MARPA member SJH Sheffield Aerospace has turned to producing Face Shields for medics and other first responders, and they have shared their plans, to allow other PMA-industry companies with 3-D printers to do the same.
Sheffield is currently printing approximately 25-30 units per day. These units are being donated as they come off of the machines.
PMA companies with 3D Printers can put their machines to work for their communities using the same method as Sheffield.
Sheffield President Steven Standley exhorted the industry to follow his company’s lead:
“It is an inexpensive way to provide necessary and much needed resources to our first responders. If we all print enough, they can be disposable and will not need to be cleaned/sanitized as the frame is biodegradeable if printed from PLA PRO Plus.”
Sheffield recommends the Prusa Research website as the source from which to download the design file that is needed to operate your 3-D printer. Standley endorses their website because the instructions are also included. Prusa has both USA and Euro standard files along with material specifications (Three hole and Four hole paper punch). Standley also reported to us that the specifications within the website are consistent with European medical regulations. The unit is made up of three pieces:
-
- Frame – 3D printed using the file from Prusa and your 3-D printer
- Clear Shield – Cut from sheet, hole punch, warm over basic rounded surface to obtain shape, install on frame
- Band (off the shelf)
Standley also provided details about how best to make the clear shields:
“The best way is to get laser-cut PETG sheets. Check your local hardware stores (online or by phone preferably) and see if they have a reasonable number in stock and deliver them to you. Another good option is a thick laminating foil that will hold shape and will put some resistance before it bends. The third option is to cut a large PET soda bottle. The rubber band is just a generic rubber band, available pretty much everywhere. The specs for the PETG sheets we’re using: clear PETG plastic sheet (Covestro Vivak brand) with a thickness of 0,5 – 0,8mm (common thickness in the US is 0.02″-0.04″). You can use any clear laser-cuttable plastic with a similar thickness. The size of the visor is 240×240 mm / 9.45’’×9.45’’ (standard version) and 240×310 mm / 9.45’’×12.2’’ (extended version). The holes can be made with a standard office puncher.”
Sheffield has been working with a raw material source to drive the price per unit down as low as possible. Sheffield has found that materials for the shields are being purchased daily by many manufacturers trying to fill the needs of the first responder and medical communities; Standley reported that raw material manufacturers are trying to hold prices steady. Sheffield’s raw material providers are working on providing their best quotes, because they know that the end products are being donated.
Prusa, the source of the design files is based in Prague (Czech Republic) and even has guidance about how to make the donations:
“Reach out to institutions in your local area and ask them if they could use some additional protective wear (chances are they definitely could!). It’s not only about hospitals and other first responders like police officers and firemen, but also nursing homes, dentists, or just grocery store staff – simply put, you could offer your help to all those who now have to stay in the service or be in contact with many other people in the time of crisis.”