Look For The Helpers

The current global pandemic has spurred many people to search for ways to help support the overstretched medical system and many designs for personal protective equipment can now be found online, with examples ranging from 3D printed masks, to replacement respirator parts and Venturi valves, to DIY face shields.

Prusa Research has released this open source face shield (adapted from this original design) which anyone with access to the right tools can manufacture themselves. 

In this guide, we'll show how you can make this design with a 3D printer and a 2 Liter PET bottle or two (3 L may work even better if you can get one!) in case you do not have a laser cutter or Cricut vinyl/craft cutter.

Why Face Shields?

Health-workers and other essential workers around the world are in need of face shields to help protect their eyes and face from droplets spread by the coughing and sneezing of their patients. Many are doing the best they can with what they can find. In a time when normal supply chains may be disrupted, the open source community has an opportunity to step in and provide help to keep those who care for us.

As outlined in Prusa's blog post announcing this collective effort, these face shields do not suffer from the same downsides as 3D printed respirators which, due to the porosity of 3D printed materials combined with the humid environment of a wearer's face, can serve as a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. 

Read on to learn how you can put your manufacturing capabilities to use helping protect folks in need of personal protective equipment.