Derbyshire-based SYS Systems, a 3-D printing specialist, has joined the fight against the coronavirus by launching a project to create protective face shields – and now it is empowering manufacturers across the UK to do the same.
With the urgent need to equip thousands of NHS workers, law enforcement professionals and other key workers with full-face plastic visors to enable them to work safely on the front line, the company is working flat out, with its range of Stratasys 3-D printers, creating as many of the masks as it can.
It has also contacted all customers who own the relevant 3-D printers required to do the work and sent them clear, Stratasys-approved designs and instructions to get started.
The instructions are also available for anyone manufacturer to download and use
by clicking here.
SYS Systems managing director Matt Fulton said: “Like everyone else we have been inspired by the efforts of NHS staff and our emergency services in these uncertain times, so we felt it was our duty to do something to assist.
“3-D printing is proving an essential part of the global response to the COVID-19 epidemic due to how quickly and reliably it can produce parts related to shields, masks and ventilators among other things, helping to address shortages.
“We hope our customers will join us in doing everything we can to arm key workers with the tools they need to perform their essential duties, and we thank them in advance for their support.”
To help maximise hygiene and for ease of shipping, SYS Systems — a Stratasys UK platinum partner and part of the Carfulan Group — is recommending that those able to print protective face shields allow letting the provider or end user of the items to assemble them.
Those who can produce visors or shields in bulk but who do not have a customer for them are being urged to send them to SYS Systems for wider distribution.
The company is also making its 3-D printers available for bureau work to ease the pressure being heaped on UK manufacturers by the Coronavirus pandemic, with staff shortages and supply chain disruptions biting hard.