Easy Source Face Shield

thingiverse

I wanted to contribute to addressing the PPE shortage by manufacturing face shields, but quickly faced challenges sourcing plastic sheets & elastic bands. So, I redirected my efforts to tackle that obstacle in case others were encountering similar difficulties. The outcome is an easy-to-access face shield design. I combined ideas from numerous excellent projects into something that serves as a reliable alternative when necessary. My intention is not to replace high-quality off-the-shelf or exceptional hacker face shields, but rather to provide a disposable and functional option. The design consists of 2-3 parts, depending on the intended use. Two models are available, based on the materials you can acquire. The primary 3D-printed component holds the clear plastic shield in place, just like other designs. The first model utilizes overhead projector sheets, which require cutting the corners and punching with a 3-hole punch. The second model employs 2-ply plastic protector sheet from Office Depot, which already features the pre-punched holes and includes a spreader to maintain the design's form. The forehead area can be secured using foam or simple clips that hold paper towels in place if foam is unavailable. Both models are attached to the head by either rubber bands alone or the addition of a plastic strap at the back for increased comfort during extended wear. I have successfully printed both designs with .3mm layer height and 10% infill, completing them in under an hour using my Prusa printer's maximum speed of 170%.