Free 3D Printed Face Shields for Frontline Workers
Donation protected
So we're in lockdown and guess what, we're stuck at home with a couple of 3D printers!
We weren't going to jump on what seems to be a "3D printed PPE bandwagon", but we were shocked by responses to our casual enquiries: There still are lots of Key Workers working at the frontline with little or no protection!
So we started to produce face shields using our own resources, and delivered a wee batch to our local medical centre. They were received with so much gratitude and the clinical manager commented on how comfortable they are. They needed another 30 to ensure each clinician has their own. And that was the final prompt for us to set up a dedicated wee PPE factory in our living room (in addition to what we already had going on our home office desks).
Not Just Face Shields
We invite local Key Workers or organisations to let us know what they need. We could also produce other PPE, like 3D printed face masks, hands-free door handle adapters, face mask straps (ear savers!)...
And we welcome your ideas, requests and challenges! Unlike most other people 3D printing PPE at home, we also are seasoned 3D designers, so we could develop new products, and improve on existing designs. John already adapted @DoMotorbikes's brilliant UK NHS approved face shield design found on Thinigiverse, to print more efficiently, and to make it more comfortable to wear for a long time.
Every £2 = a FREE face shield for a key worker
Just £2 covers all the materials involved in the manufacture of a face shield. Just £2 for HUGE peace of mind for someone who is putting their life on the line for all of us!
Or £300 could buy another work-horse 3D printer to boost our production rate and get PPE out to key workers quicker. (We have a long and growing waiting list - requests for over 1000 face shields!)
Whatever you are able to give, we are so grateful for your support and it might just save a life!
If you like, we will give you a shout-out on Twitter and/or Facebook so you can see what we're doing with your contribution. Let us know what @handles to use if this is OK.
Bespoke Message
What's more, we invite our big sponsors (£100+) to suggest a special message which we will add to the 3D file and print onto a designated batch of face shields. Maybe something motivational, an expression of your appreciation, and/or your name... It's up to you!
Environmental Impact
As designers, we are always conscious of the environmental impact of the materials we use, our processes, the waste we produce and the products we send into the world. Here's what we are doing to minimise our carbon footprint:
- We're printing in PLA - a more environmentally friendly bio-plastic - made from plant starch, a renewable resource.
- We selected and redeveloped a face shield design to print more efficiently - that is quicker, using less power, and with minimal waste (as opposed to many 3D printing processes that include a substantial base and supports that are thrown away).
- The visors in our face shields are removable, and we supply Key Workers with a bit of back-up stock to replace damaged or soiled visors.
- The headband can be cleaned with standard sanitisers or soap and water. So no need to use once and throw away, which - understandably - so often is the case with PPE.
- At the end of it's life, a PLA face shield cannot be recycled... BUT IT CAN BE COMPOSTED! How cool is that?!
Who Are Our Key Workers?
Key Workers aren't just doctors, nurses and carers. Think about all the people who put their lives on the line every day to keep the wheels turning while we're in lockdown... posties, supermarket workers, delivery drivers, waste management workers, warehouse workers, cleaners, mail sorters, community safety officers, maintenance workers, social workers... We want all these wonderful people to feel as safe as possible while they look after us under such dangerous conditions.
Waiting List
We invite Key Workers to let us know what PPE they need (and how much) and we are maintaining a growing waiting list. (Please use the contact function on this page to get in touch with your PPE requirements.) The more money we raise, the more people we can kit out.
About Us
John Edwards (67) is a creative and multi-skilled product designer and maker. John owns the well-equipped (a selection of 3D printers and a laser cutter/engraver, among other things) 3D design studio, 3D Creative Workshops in East Lothian.
Renate Kriegler Edwards (42) is a trained designer and project manager and presently manages Carr Gomm's (an extraordinary social care organisation) staff innovation programme. Renate also works part-time at East Lothian Council.
We met in South Africa at a goldsmith's bench (our mutual original trade) and moved on together to 3D CAD and 3D printing just under 20 years ago - making us leaders in designing for high-finish and precious metal 3D printing.
We recently moved from Edinburgh to beautiful Belhaven.
Thank you so much for helping us do this!
Let's be #StayAtHomeHeroes for our Frontline Heroes!
We weren't going to jump on what seems to be a "3D printed PPE bandwagon", but we were shocked by responses to our casual enquiries: There still are lots of Key Workers working at the frontline with little or no protection!
So we started to produce face shields using our own resources, and delivered a wee batch to our local medical centre. They were received with so much gratitude and the clinical manager commented on how comfortable they are. They needed another 30 to ensure each clinician has their own. And that was the final prompt for us to set up a dedicated wee PPE factory in our living room (in addition to what we already had going on our home office desks).
Not Just Face Shields
We invite local Key Workers or organisations to let us know what they need. We could also produce other PPE, like 3D printed face masks, hands-free door handle adapters, face mask straps (ear savers!)...
And we welcome your ideas, requests and challenges! Unlike most other people 3D printing PPE at home, we also are seasoned 3D designers, so we could develop new products, and improve on existing designs. John already adapted @DoMotorbikes's brilliant UK NHS approved face shield design found on Thinigiverse, to print more efficiently, and to make it more comfortable to wear for a long time.
Every £2 = a FREE face shield for a key worker
Just £2 covers all the materials involved in the manufacture of a face shield. Just £2 for HUGE peace of mind for someone who is putting their life on the line for all of us!
Or £300 could buy another work-horse 3D printer to boost our production rate and get PPE out to key workers quicker. (We have a long and growing waiting list - requests for over 1000 face shields!)
Whatever you are able to give, we are so grateful for your support and it might just save a life!
If you like, we will give you a shout-out on Twitter and/or Facebook so you can see what we're doing with your contribution. Let us know what @handles to use if this is OK.
Bespoke Message
What's more, we invite our big sponsors (£100+) to suggest a special message which we will add to the 3D file and print onto a designated batch of face shields. Maybe something motivational, an expression of your appreciation, and/or your name... It's up to you!
Environmental Impact
As designers, we are always conscious of the environmental impact of the materials we use, our processes, the waste we produce and the products we send into the world. Here's what we are doing to minimise our carbon footprint:
- We're printing in PLA - a more environmentally friendly bio-plastic - made from plant starch, a renewable resource.
- We selected and redeveloped a face shield design to print more efficiently - that is quicker, using less power, and with minimal waste (as opposed to many 3D printing processes that include a substantial base and supports that are thrown away).
- The visors in our face shields are removable, and we supply Key Workers with a bit of back-up stock to replace damaged or soiled visors.
- The headband can be cleaned with standard sanitisers or soap and water. So no need to use once and throw away, which - understandably - so often is the case with PPE.
- At the end of it's life, a PLA face shield cannot be recycled... BUT IT CAN BE COMPOSTED! How cool is that?!
Who Are Our Key Workers?
Key Workers aren't just doctors, nurses and carers. Think about all the people who put their lives on the line every day to keep the wheels turning while we're in lockdown... posties, supermarket workers, delivery drivers, waste management workers, warehouse workers, cleaners, mail sorters, community safety officers, maintenance workers, social workers... We want all these wonderful people to feel as safe as possible while they look after us under such dangerous conditions.
Waiting List
We invite Key Workers to let us know what PPE they need (and how much) and we are maintaining a growing waiting list. (Please use the contact function on this page to get in touch with your PPE requirements.) The more money we raise, the more people we can kit out.
About Us
John Edwards (67) is a creative and multi-skilled product designer and maker. John owns the well-equipped (a selection of 3D printers and a laser cutter/engraver, among other things) 3D design studio, 3D Creative Workshops in East Lothian.
Renate Kriegler Edwards (42) is a trained designer and project manager and presently manages Carr Gomm's (an extraordinary social care organisation) staff innovation programme. Renate also works part-time at East Lothian Council.
We met in South Africa at a goldsmith's bench (our mutual original trade) and moved on together to 3D CAD and 3D printing just under 20 years ago - making us leaders in designing for high-finish and precious metal 3D printing.
We recently moved from Edinburgh to beautiful Belhaven.
Thank you so much for helping us do this!
Let's be #StayAtHomeHeroes for our Frontline Heroes!
Fundraising team: John and Renate (2)
Renate Kriegler Edwards
Organizer
John Edwards
Team member