MPMD Covid19 Face Shield

thingiverse

Updates 20/04/2020 (2) Just uploaded an improved version of the zip tie model. FS 4 X 2 x Arm 1 x Centre (OP) 2 x Side (OP) or 2 x Arm 1 x Centre (CL) 1 x Left Side (CL) 1 x Right Side (CL) This one has slightly stronger pegs to hold the plastic and a better arm for holding the back elastic. The alignment peg holes are slightly tapered to allow for an easier fit. Depending on your calibration you may have to trim these to fit. This model can be printed in one build if the sides are stacked. Print time for the open style is under 1 hour 30 minutes. Note: These parts print to the edges of the build plate. You may need to ensure good adhesion as the parts may come loose at the ends and then rock themselves free. 20/04/2020 Note: I have removed these files as the FS 4 X version is basically the same but improved. I left the images which show the zip tie connections for reference I have uploaded a different style that does not include a hinge. It is comprised of a centre piece, 2 side pieces and 2 arms. It is held together using 4 small zip ties. The arms are straight with a small cut that holds an elastic. If the elastic groove is too small I can replace this with a loop like the other design. The side piece and the arms can probably be printed stacked without too much difficulty. Summary There has been quite a demand for face shields and masks that can be printed on the MPMD. Since its print area is so small this is not the best printer for producing PPE that is needed for medical and other usage. I decided to challenge myself and see if I could design a face shield that can be printed using the MPMD. This is the result. It is based on a design I made for my larger delta that printed a little faster than the other "solid" versions I had looked at previously. This model can hold an 8x11 clear plastic sheet that has been punched using a standard North American 3 hole punch. If the standard 3 hole punch is used the sheet can be used in a landscape orientation (wide.) If the sheet is punched using a 7" standard the sheet can be applied in portrait orientation (tall.) Choose which works best for your needs. There are a few caveats with this design. 1. It utilizes folding arms, so your printer needs to be well calibrated in order for these to function properly once the print is completed. 2. To fit the small bed, the design is slightly smaller than others. It uses a large elastic across the back to hold it firmly on the head but I found that it was a little snug at the temples for me. I wear an XL baseball hat. 3. It must be printed in 3 parts and assembled. It does snap together quite well but the locking clips are small and if the filament you use is quite brittle they may not bend enough to snap back into place. 4. The design has 2 types - opened and closed. This refers to the top covering. Select the style that fits the requirements. Obviously the closed style will take a little longer to print. 5. It will take at least 2 runs to print the 3 parts needed. The centre part has to be printed by itself. 7. Each part takes about 30-40 minutes to print. It is possible to fit 2 pieces at a time on the bed. I designed the hinge to print best at 0.21 layer height although others may work fine. I had problems with the hinge releasing properly until I set the 0.2 layer height and adjusted all my internal measurements to fit this size. To free the hinge, I left some extra space inside so that the piece can be placed on the end and a light tap on the end of the arm (ear piece) generally releases the hinge. Warning: Do not hit it too hard or it might break the hinge. When connecting the sides to the front angle the piece from the outside and work it slowly into the holes while aligning it slowly into place. It should snap in place and be relatively tight. A second elastic can be used to help secure the plastic sheet in place if needed. Note: This design has not been tested in the field. Since it is a design that connects together it may not stand up to continuous twisting (one handed removal etc.) Verify that this works for your intended purpose before sharing.