3DPPGH Critical 3D Printed PPE For Medical Staff
Donation protected
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to national shortages of critical personal protective equipment (PPE). 3D Printing Pittsburgh (3DPPGH) is utilizing our network of 3D printing volunteers across the region to fabricate opensource PPE such as face shields to aid medical personnel on the front line. 3DPPGH is consulting with medical professions in both our area and across the nation to better understand the type of plastics required for these items along with intended sterilization procedures. These are not validated products- they are an option for when the real supplies are extinguished. As Good Samaritans, we are supplying these items voluntarily as donations or at material cost for as long as our nation requires them.
A Czech Republic company, Prusa Research, designed an open-source face shield that can be 3D printed and attached to a sheet of plastic. In combination with lower-grade surgical masks, face shields can provide the CDC-recommended level of protection for health care workers and first responders interacting with suspected COVID-19 carriers. There are additional PPE options being evaluated daily, and we are adapting to the changing climate.
We have fulfilled orders (for free) of 100 face shields and are working on another balance of orders totaling 350. We are anticipating a much larger demand as high as thousands. We have rallied the troops and have begun using the supplies to produce door pulls as well as the structural components of face shields. We are also sourcing or working with other organizations to complete the shield with clear PETG sheeting. In the interim, we are working with overhead transparency film, page protectors, and laminator film.
Our hobbyist group is growing, and we have been producing these supplies for free using our supplies. Many have asked how they can help our efforts, and replenishing our materials requires funds. We need to procure: 3D printer filament, clear PETG film, elastic banding, as well as support the logistics of getting these items into medical professionals on the front line.
Ideally, professional PPE supplies will reach our medical professionals in order to minimize their contact with COVID-19 and protect both them and their families. Until then, we are going to fill that gap. Any donations unspent in supporting this opportunity to assist our medical friends and family with be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
And now, we need your help!
WTAE visited us on 3/25/2020, and you can see the brief coverage here.
A Czech Republic company, Prusa Research, designed an open-source face shield that can be 3D printed and attached to a sheet of plastic. In combination with lower-grade surgical masks, face shields can provide the CDC-recommended level of protection for health care workers and first responders interacting with suspected COVID-19 carriers. There are additional PPE options being evaluated daily, and we are adapting to the changing climate.
We have fulfilled orders (for free) of 100 face shields and are working on another balance of orders totaling 350. We are anticipating a much larger demand as high as thousands. We have rallied the troops and have begun using the supplies to produce door pulls as well as the structural components of face shields. We are also sourcing or working with other organizations to complete the shield with clear PETG sheeting. In the interim, we are working with overhead transparency film, page protectors, and laminator film.
Our hobbyist group is growing, and we have been producing these supplies for free using our supplies. Many have asked how they can help our efforts, and replenishing our materials requires funds. We need to procure: 3D printer filament, clear PETG film, elastic banding, as well as support the logistics of getting these items into medical professionals on the front line.
Ideally, professional PPE supplies will reach our medical professionals in order to minimize their contact with COVID-19 and protect both them and their families. Until then, we are going to fill that gap. Any donations unspent in supporting this opportunity to assist our medical friends and family with be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
And now, we need your help!
WTAE visited us on 3/25/2020, and you can see the brief coverage here.
Organizer
Ryan J. Priore
Organizer
Pine Township, PA
