The following refers to: 3DPX-013406
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 face shield has undergone review in a clinical setting and is recommended when fabricated as instructed.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is believed to be spread mainly from person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets produced when the infected person coughs or sneezes [1]. Face shields provide a physical barrier for the user against airborne droplets.
Several open source face shield designs are available that can be produced rapidly by using inexpensive and distributed Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) plastic 3D printing for the visor together with polyethylene sheeting for the face protection.
In addition to health care professionals (HCPs), others that can benefit from access to face shields as a first line of defense include first responders, security personnel, and those working in essential customer service (grocery stores, pharmacies, and delivery services). The availability of 3D printed face shield designs for the general public can also ease the demand on traditional supply chains used by HCPs.
This is an open source design for a 3D-printed face shield visor that was iterated upon in order to improve producibility and speed to print.
Features
- FDM 3D prints without supports
- Uses three-hole punch size and spacing for each of assembly and replacement of polyethylene sheet
- Includes a brow guard to provide continuous coverage over the user's forehead
- Two methods of attaching elastic or string:
- Hooking over tab
- Looping through hole
Limitations
A face shield does not substitute the use of an approved face mask.
In cases where approved masks are not available and a non-approved mask is used as a last resort, CDC guidance recommends use of a face shield in conjunction with the non-approved mask [2].
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html
Comments
AJ_Ender3
Fri, 2020-04-03 07:32
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Great print!
My print came out great in PLA! It flexes easily and comfortably. 6.5 hrs at 0.16mm. 30% infill w/ no supports
CM3D
Tue, 2020-04-07 21:11
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PLA or ABSM30
Can this visor version be 3D printed in PLA or ABSM30 on Stratasys F170 FDM printers?
lilia_chan
Mon, 2020-04-20 12:11
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The visor can be printed in
The visor can be printed in PLA or ABS. But note that PLA is not compatible with disinfection techniques that involve heat. Consider the material properties when deciding on a disinfection process.
lilia_chan
Tue, 2020-04-21 08:57
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The visor can be printed in
The visor can be printed in PLA or ABS. But note that PLA is not compatible with disinfection techniques that involve heat. PETG has better heat resistance, which is why it is recommended. So consider the material properties when deciding on a disinfection process.