3D Printing COVID Face Shields

Hospitals and health clinics across the lower mainland had put out a call for help. There was a massive shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) supplies in facilities to adequately protect front line medical workers. With traditional supply chains facing limitations, the 3D printing community needed to come together. "We are very low on equipment, everyone at Vancouver General Hospital has to wear a mask and face shield. These face shields are needed more than ever because they can be reused." - Leonel Leyson, RN at Vancouver General Hospital for the CSICU Using our 3D printer and the open source design available from Prusa, we had the capacity to print up to 60 per day. But this wasn’t nearly enough. We called on the 3D printing community in Vancouver as well as other businesses to help fund this project. Together, our coalition helped save more lives and make a bigger impact. The face shields we printed consisted of a reusable visor with extra face shields. This means the use of a single visor can be extended by simply replacing the face shields. The prototype face shield design is officially known as the PRUSA Protective Face Shield and has received two verifications in the Czech Republic for its effectiveness and usability. We partnered with local plastic suppliers to offer additional replacement sheets for each face shield.