Over 100,000 3D printed face shields for healthcare staff

3T is now producing 20,000 headbands per week, and will exceed 100,000 within the next few weeks. The face shields are being used by frontline workers, across the NHS and UK healthcare system, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

During times of such uncertainty, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver essential products and services. It has arguably never been more important for a flexible and efficient supply chain. 3D printing allows for tens of thousands of high quality parts to be produced in a matter of weeks, when people need them most.

3T is working directly with NHS trusts across the UK, as well as various medical distribution companies to supply face shields to UK health workers. 3T has also provided the CAD for free, available to download from 3T’s website.

Daniel France, Chief Commercial Officer at 3T: “We’ve already seen countless examples of how 3D printing is helping people stay protected and fight the virus globally. It was of paramount importance for us, as a business, to play a role in this, and that’s why we are manufacturing these for as low a cost as we can to support.

“Working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to produce tens of thousands of parts using EOS’ powder-based 3D printing technology, which ensures frontline health workers are protected. The demand is far greater than one company can provide, but we will continue to do as much as we can to add to the supply.”

This coincides with EOS, as 3D printing technology supplier, launching an online platform to support the fight against COVID-19, bringing together the wider-3D printing community. The aim of the 3DAgainstCorona hub and its corresponding LinkedIn group is to share knowledge, data and downloadable files that could be used to combat the virus. The site will be updated on a regular basis.

Markus Glasser, Senior Vice President EMEA at EOS: “Improving lives through 3D printing has always been our aspiration. The current pandemic now calls for a joint approach, more than ever before. Today, we are asking all supporters to join us in tackling the challenges that lay ahead.

"Let’s continue to think differently and push the boundaries of what is possible. We are extremely proud to work alongside so many brilliant minds inside and outside of EOS who are developing and delivering critical solutions for those in need.”