In response to the chaos of disparate designs and from experience trying to help connect hospitals with PPE manufacturers during this crisis, this design was created as a single design that can be produced by a multitude of different production methods.

 

To streamline the procurement process for hospitals, this provides a singular design for them to focus on, approve, and source. This design gives them the flexibility to source from multiple different manufacturers. 3D printing, injection molding, laser cutting, die cutting, and beyond – all of these methods can be used to manufacture the frames for this design. In the face of supply-chain issues, sickness, or any chaos the pandemic may throw at us, having one design able to be sourced from different manufacturing methods will give hospitals the flexibility to respond to issues, without having to waste logistical effort on returning to the drawing board to validate new designs.

 

For makers and manufacturers, this design provides a common ground to collaborate and improve throughput. Makers who don’t have 3D printers, but do have laser cutters, CNC mills, or other tools, can contribute to the effort alongside 3D printing makers who are supplying hospitals with PPE. For makers who do have 3D printers, this design offers a simple, but effective print that can be easily laid out and/or stacked for high throughput. Manufacturers with mass-production methods, like injection molding, cutting machines, etc. can supply higher quantities of the same design as makers who are supplying lower quantities with lower lead times.

Please note instructions/designs included here, at the NIH 3D Print Exchange, are optimized for 3D printing of frames. For alternative production methods, visit https://www.organofab.us/covid-19-emergency-face-shield-design#h.p_Po2NjPks9T1V, and follow the links for your alternative production method.

 

If we can unite under a single design, it will streamline and economize PPE production processes, to better equip the medical professionals keeping us safe

 

Note: The attached images in the "Extras" section show both 3D printed (gray frames) and laser cut (black frames) versions of the design. Cut files for the face shields (including for thicker frames) may be found when downloading the files. A cut file for the frames, optimized for minimal material waste, may also be found with the downloads.

 

The FDA has authorized production of protective face shields outside of the normal clearance pathway during the Covid-19 pandemic, based on Part 5, section D of the “Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff.

 

This 3D printed face shield has undergone review in a clinical setting and is recommended when fabricated as instructed.

This device has not been tested to assess the out-gassing limits of the material or their corresponding health effects.