Thursday, 02 Apr 2020 09:51 GMT

3D print helps to battle coronavirus

With the need for personal protective equipment soaring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Y Soft has contributed 3D printed face shields to hospitals across the UK.

University Hospitals Bristol, Devon Partnership NHS Trust and UHCW NHS Trust (University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire) are receiving face shields from Y Soft, an enterprise office solutions provider. The PPE is needed for frontline NHS and health care workers that are in danger of catching the disease themselves.

Using its fleet of be3D eDee printers, the firm created protective face shields and binder strips for hospitals all over the globe, as well as the UK. Around 500 shields are being created each day and consist of shaped plastic to cover the face and a 3D printed frame to connect the shield and the simple rubber strap together.

Václav Muchna, founder of Y Soft, comments: “The world was not prepared for the current situation. While we cannot handle massive production, it turns out that everyone can voluntarily contribute their own efforts. That’s why we got involved as a company. Our office workers around the world also use affordable 3D printers to print protective equipment for healthcare professionals.

We see the contribution as a small and simple step to helping the global pandemic

“It is a way to help people in hospitals. I’m extremely proud of how ‘YSofters’ have come together to do this kind of work without prompting from anyone. We are in this together.”

He adds: “Our manufacturing isn’t outfitted for ongoing mass production, but clearly a little bit from everyone can help. We see the contribution as a small and simple step to helping the global pandemic.”

The original design was implemented by another 3D printer but has evolved over time based on the feedback, and how hospitals are asking for the shields to be delivered. Y Soft has utilised this feedback to work on a 3.0 version as well as optimising production so that the face shields can be produced even quicker.

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