The response, led by Dr Pete Mylon from the University’s Faculty of Engineering, is utilising the world-class engineering facilities in the University's Diamond building to rapidly manufacture face shields for frontline NHS staff working in hospitals and healthcare practices.
Following a national call for help made by the 3DCrowd UK initiative, started by a small group of makers last week with the aim of providing PPE to healthcare workers using 3D printing, Dr Mylon got to work by assembling an interdisciplinary team of engineers with a range of different specialisms.
The team includes experts in all stages of the manufacturing process, including 3D printing and disinfection, so that the face shields can be quickly manufactured in bulk to help meet the needs of doctors and healthcare workers in Sheffield and throughout the Yorkshire region.
The manufacturing process that allows them to maintain social distancing. All materials entering the building are cleaned and the completed face shields are disinfected prior to shipping.
The University of Sheffield team is now the Yorkshire hub for the 3DCrowd UK initiative and will be making face shields primarily for frontline doctors and healthcare workers across the region from the University’s iForge Makerspace.