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UOG’s first batch of 3D-printed face shields delivered to hospitals

UOG’s first batch of 3D-printed face shields delivered to hospitals

UOG’s first batch of 3D-printed face shields delivered to hospitals


4/17/2020

The 3D printers make plastic pieces that fit around the forehead and hold a face shield.
The 3D printers make plastic pieces that fit around the forehead and hold a face shield.

Jolybii Song is part of the UOG’s team to locally produce face shields
Jolybii Song is part of the UOG’s Office of Information Technology team that has been contributing to PPE for Guam’s efforts to locally produce face shields for health care workers using 3D printers.

A donation of locally made face shields delivered to Guam’s hospitals last week included a batch made by UOG Office of Information Technology staff using the university’s 3D printers. In support of efforts being organized by volunteer group PPE for Guam, the university has had three 3D printers in production since March 31 making plastic pieces that fit on the forehead and hold a face shield.

 PPE for Guam coordinated its first donation of supplies to Guam Memorial Hospital and Guam Regional Medical City on April 9 and 10, which included a total of 550 face shields made by volunteers.

The do-it-yourself design was recently developed by PPE for Guam and takes into consideration the preferences of local medical professionals.

Jose Santiago, a junior network engineer on UOG’s OIT team, has been part of the production process. He said he learned 3D printing as a hobby, but his skill in using the machines has now become part of the community’s fight against the coronavirus.

“Being able to take my experience and what I've learned and using it to contribute to society, more especially having a direct impact to combat a global crisis, feels incredibly humbling,” he said. “Our collective efforts can make a difference in the world, and more immediately our island.”

PPE for Guam has received a number of requests for face shields and other personal protective equipment from local hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and first responders, said Jennifer McFerran, a lead volunteer with PPE for Guam.

The university has three 3D printers in production making face shield pieces.
The university has three 3D printers in production making face shield pieces.
“Our volunteers are doing all they can to help fill the need,” she said.

The OIT team has created 31 pieces with the filament on hand. PPE for Guam and the School of Business & Public Administration will be sourcing more filament for the production to continue.

The volunteer group is looking to produce an additional 1,000 face shields in short order.

“This is the first of a series of milestone goals,” said PPE for Guam Co-founder Allison Rutter. “We hope that a target like this will generate attention and motivate volunteers to join our cause. We must move quickly. Guam’s first responders and medical community need thousands more face masks and shields. There’s a dire shortage of PPE, right now, and every volunteer can make a big difference.”

Volunteer with PPE for Guam

Volunteers with sewing experience or a 3D printer, in particular, are encouraged to join PPE for Guam’s efforts. Those interested in volunteering can contact PPE for Guam at:

www.PPEforGuam.com
Email: PPEforGuam@gmail.com
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/PPEforGuam