An Essex-based manufacturer is using its expertise in cutting systems to design and make vital equipment to support frontline health workers in the fight against COVID-19.
Blackman & White CAD engineers have created a visor that is made from polycarbonate or acetate to make the most of its in-house machine capabilities.
The firm is looking to use spare capacity in its demonstration room at its facility on the Street Industrial Estate in Maldon, where Orion and Genesis V machines can use dual motion control, ‘state of the art’ routers and laser capabilities to produce 300 units every day.
The company is appealing to other businesses to support their efforts by helping to source material that is currently hard to find or not of the right quality, assistance with product specifications and identifying healthcare facilities in need of the safety equipment.
Eiko White, Blackman & White director, said: “We have all seen the terrible stories of our heroic doctors, nurses and care workers fighting the Covid-19 virus without the right PPE.
“It is heartbreaking and we wanted to try to do what we can to help in some small way. Our team looked at the machines available to us and which products we could design and manufacture from scratch, starting with a visor but with the possibility to follow-up with other much-needed PPE.”
She continued: “We can easily make 300 per day, but we are struggling to source the right quality material — this is where we need help.
“1mm polycarbonate or 1mm acetate are the big stumbling blocks.
“Our customers, who have been quick to come forward and offer their assistance, have we have also been making do with alternatives, but supplies are drying up and, inherently, the costs are climbing.
“If we can get access to the right material, we can hopefully do our bit to protect the NHS and care workers on the frontline.”
Blackman & White, which employs 28 people, is the UK’s only manufacturer of cutting systems, with all machines designed and manufactured from start to finish at its UK factory.
The company celebrated 55 years in business in 2018 and offers a range of high-quality machinery that boasts longevity and the flexibility of holding multiple combinations of knife, laser and marking tools.
It has recently seen a surge of orders from UK and overseas customers in the aerospace, automotive, graphics, marine and print sectors.
Eiko concluded: “If we can get the material supply right the only other barrier is getting our design signed off by the healthcare sector.
“Although the CE restrictions have been relaxed, it would be great to know that our visor is safe and going to perform the job it has been designed to do — save lives.”