Face Shields
A Face Shield is a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is used by many workers for protection of the entire face area from splashes, sprays and spatter of bodily fluids (Doctors, Dentists and Veterinarians). They create a physical barrier in-front of the entire face area; protecting the mouth, nose and eyes from any foreign splashes or sprays.
3D Printed Face Shield
We are 3D printing a 2 part Face Shield using a design that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Part 1 – 3D printed visor, this is a fully reusable component (and will just need to be sanitised between uses).
- Part 2 – Clear A4 Sheet. This design uses an off the shelf Clear PVC sheet (available from any stationery shop). This component can also be sterilised and reused,however it is also easily replaceable.
Advantages of a Face Shield
- Face Shields can be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized. Therefore safely reused multiple times.
- Face Shields can be worn OVER other protective equipment such as N95 or cloth masks, therefore prolonging the life of the disposable N95 or cloth masks.
- Face Shields provide a solid barrier, protecting the mouth, nose and eyes from foreign sprays or splashes.
Recommended Cleaning Procedure
The below procedure should be followed Daily to clean both: the 3D Printed Frame and the Clear PVC sheet (although the sheet can be replaced after a few uses)
- Wear Gloves (and a Face Shield and Face Mask if cleaning highly contaminated Face Shields)
- Disinfect the surface or table on which you will be doing the cleaning.
- Dismantle the Face Shield, then soak or spray with a disinfectant solution.
- Then use one of the following methods to sterilise the Face Shield:
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ethanol (or Hand Sanitisers with more than 60% Alcohol content)
- Soap & Water (For 5 Minutes)
- Use a paper towel or fresh cloth to wipe down the shield after cleaning.
3D Printed Ear Savers
Since the start of the current Pandemic, everyone has started to wear Face masks for long periods of time. Unfortunately the straps of these masks put a lot of pressure on the ears, causing a lot of discomfort and even damage over prolonged use.
Ear savers are a simple small device that improves the fit of any face mask, making them more comfortable for long term wear. They connect to the two straps and sit at the back of the head, removing the pressure from the ears of the wearer.
Our 3D printed ear savers provide room for adjustment, by placing the straps on the different provided tabs. Please see the below photos for correct use of the Ear Savers.
Our Ear Savers are completely reusable, and just need to be sanitised/sterilised before reusing (with one of the methods below).
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ethanol (or Hand Sanitisers with more than 60% Alcohol content)
- Soap & Water (For 5 Minutes)
3D Printed Face Masks
Face masks are generally built for a one time use; creating a huge amount of demand and a lot of waste too. We hope to soon have our very own 3D printed Face Mask. We are currently carrying out trials and looking at various options for a 3D printed reusable Face Mask, with changeable filters.
3D Printed Ventilator Splitters
COVID-19 has taken the world by storm with huge shortages of medical equipment being experienced all over the world.
One of the most critical pieces of equipment required is a Ventilator (used for patients who cannot breathe on their own). These Ventilators are limited in number and are currently only used by one patient at a time.
However there are multiple studies that have been done to confirm that during a crisis situation 2 or even 4 patients can safely be connected to one Ventilator machine at the same time. This would effectively double or quadruple the number of patients that can be Ventilated at any given time.
In order to do this, special adaptors need to be designed and made to split the Ventilator inlets to accommodate two patients at once.
We are currently working closely with Doctors and Anaesthetists in Kenya to test and approve our 3D printed Ventilator splitters, so that we can have them ready if the need arises.
