UH Hilo 3D prints reusable prototype medical equipment

3D printer produces reusable face shield in UH Hilo computer lab

The project is also helping students test design skills

LINK TO VIDEO AND SOUND (details below): https://bit.ly/2WaLkkP

WHO—University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo computer science department 

WHAT—3D printing personal protective equipment (PPE) prototypes in case of a shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaiʻi Island. The UH Hilo computer science department developed a reusable face shield design that minimizes fogging and uses minimal 3D print material. 

WHY—In the event that Hawaiʻi Island health care facilities run low on PPE, UH Hilo is prepared to print reusable supplies. PPE is crucial in the fight against COVID-19.

OTHER FACTS:

• The computer science department has also partnered with numerous Hawaiʻi Island organizations with 3D printers to produce PPE if a shortage occurs. 

• The collaborative 3D printing effort could create approximately 155 face shields a day. 

• The department tested several models available online and picked the best features to design its own.

• Materials are provided through a grant offered by the collaborative Hawaiʻi Island organizations

• The UH Hilo art department also created a N95 mask that is reusable after sterilization. The art professor spearheading the department’s prototype is operating the printer from his cell phone while he shelters in place with family in Indiana.    

VIDEO BROLL 

5 shots: 3D printing face shield visor

1 shot: Completed 3D printed face shield visor

Completed face shields 

2 shots: Faculty, student working on face shield design 

1 shot: Student, Michael Dodge working on design 

1 shot: Art department’s N95 mask design

SOUNDBITES: 

Michael Dodge/UH Hilo graduate, UH Mānoa student (:18)

“As a student this sort of life project has been a great way to put my design skills to the test.

I’ve gotten countless hours of practice with 3D fabrication, 3D printing and really just everything related to that in the past few weeks.”

Francis Cristobal/Computer Sciences faculty, UH Hilo (:15)

 “It’s very versatile. We don’t know if it’s going to be needed by the medical facilities but as we wait we can print a couple here and give it to people here to use for protection so it’s not a bad place to be.”