DPD teams with 3DCrowd to deliver 3D printed face shields to NHS
Parcel delivery firm DPD has announced a coronavirus related partnership with 3DCrowd, a community of 3D printer owners.
Thousands of volunteers across the UK are giving up their time to use their 3D printers to make components to create face shields - a full face visor on a plastic headband - which protects the whole of the front of the face of frontline healthcare workers.
DPD is collecting the component parts from the volunteers and delivering them, free-of-charge, to a central hub in Sheffield where the face masks are being assembled by a company called Pimoroni. It will then distribute the completed visors to hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare organisations around the country.
The design for the masks was supplied by Josef Prusa, a 3D printer based in the Czech Republic. Volunteer printers have been supplying their own materials to produce the shields. 3DCrowd has also been collecting donations through crowdfunding.
"This is a really smart example of a community working together and shows how our nationwide network can be used to support key services at this time,” says Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO.
“Our healthcare workers are doing a fantastic job, despite the exceedingly difficult situation they find themselves in. The supply of the much needed face shields is crucial, and we are delighted to be able to help."
For information on how to donate to 3DCrowd or offer your services as a 3D printer, click here.