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The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for protective gear, and the School has been at the forefront of local efforts to supply key workers with face shields.
Harnessing 3D printing
The School is using 3D printing to make headbands for face shields, with students and research, technical and academic staff producing them in the School’s laboratories and their own homes.
The School has donated nearly 1,200 shields made in this way – and has hundreds more ready to deliver – to local health and social care providers including hospitals, a hospice, a dental practice, and a housing association.
Laser-cutting for speed
However, with 3D printer filament – plastic thread used to print 3D structures – becoming harder to source, and because it can take several minutes to print parts, the team turned to a different approach.
Building on open-source designs available online, the technicians used laser-cutting technology to develop an improved face shield which can be made more quickly than other guards, taking around 70 seconds to produce.
The laser-cut guards have a full-face visor and adjustable headband, and are made from sheet plastic using an automated laser-cutting machine.
The new shields are also believed to be reusable, the team says, whereas 3D-printed ones are intended for single-use only.
Boosting production
More than 300 of their laser-cut shields have so far been donated, and further deliveries are expected in coming days.
The team is currently able to produce up to 1,000 laser-cut shields per week and hopes to boost capacity by using other laser-cutters on campus. Alongside this, they can also continue to produce around 1,000 of the 3D-printed face shields per week.
“Security and confidence” for frontline workers
Dr Iain Morrison, GP Partner at Newbattle Medical Practice in Dalkeith, said: “The face shields received from the University are vital in protecting staff and in turn, securing vital services across Midlothian. For GPs, district nurses and care staff, the face shields offer security and confidence to conduct their duties. Many thanks for your exceptional generosity.”
Dr Katherine Dunn, who is coordinating Covid-19-related activities in the School, said: “We are using all the technology and know-how at our disposal to support the fight against Covid-19. We have already used 3D printing to make nearly 2000 headbands for face shields, but the new laser-cut design can be made more quickly, and is expected to be more reusable. I am delighted that the team’s hard work is now paying off and the face shields are starting to get to the front line.”
Head of School Professor Conchúr Ó Brádaigh said: “Staff and students in the School of Engineering have been working very hard, and the School’s donations of face shields will make a real difference to key workers in health and social care. The School is also involved in a number of other Covid-19 related projects, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of those in due course."
Other Schools in the University are also involved in producing face shields and staff in the School of Engineering are collaborating with colleagues across the University on a range of Covid-19 related projects.
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