Creating biodegradable face shields for health-care workers

Home Creating biodegradable face shields for health-care workers

“We have an opportunity to leverage the skills of Makerspace staff and the use of Makerspace prototyping equipment to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19, and to help those on the frontlines.”
Jonathan Younker, Head of Library Systems and Technology

Creating biodegradable face shields for health-care workers

To help meet the pressing need for medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brock University Library’s Makerspace has partnered with Niagara Health to produce face shields for health-care workers.

After it received approval from Public Health, the Makerspace team worked with Niagara Health to assess the need and workflow, and used public access design files for a quick-to-print shield holder.

Although the shield can only be used by one person over the course of the day, the face shield mounts are made from polylactic acid, a corn-based plastic that is biodegradable.

The Makerspace, currently stocked with five 3-D printers, scanners and laser cutters, has the capacity to print up to 20 face shields a day.

For more information, visit Brock University.