VIDEO: LU 3D Printing Face Shields

Photo supplied of CARIS 3D printed face shield

A high tech centre at Lakehead University is doing its part to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex Bilyk is with the Centre for the Application of Resources Information Systems and tells us they are using the centre’s 3D printers to create face shields for those front line workers in need of personal protective equipment.

“This is a call to action to anyone who might have a 3D printer, we are going to make the files available in the description, we are going to point you to the resources and if you have the capability of using a 3D printer, join our effort, every little bit is going to help,” Bilyk said.

So far they have made about 30 shield visors and Bilyk tells us the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is working on coordinating local need and delivery.

Bilyk adds the easiest to produce PPE is the face shield but they are also producing straps to prevent health care workers from having their masks cut into their ears.

“The masks are not meant to be worn for as long as they are right now so this can help a lot,” Bilyk notes.

The centre stepped up when they saw there was a need and decided to look online for free 3D print designs and they went with the one that is simple to print.

Bilyk says this pattern can print two at a time and uses a sheet of overhead plastic and an elastic. He adds they are easy to store as well since they can sit in a box unassembled.

The LU centre encourages you to reach out to them on Facebook if you can help their cause.

CARIS’S 3D printer was donated by GoldCorp to support its drone program.

The links to how you can 3D print the equipment can be found HERE and HERE.