Show Me Face Shield

thingiverse

This is a face shield that simplifies the construction of other common 3D printed masks by using a standard comb ring binder punch instead of laser cutting, allowing dozens to be assembled in just a few hours without specialized tools. The current revision features a pair of loops that allow 1/2" to 1" elastic bands cut to 13" to be fed through the holes like a belt friction fitting, eliminating the need to tie the material and providing continuous adjustment for improved comfort. Additionally, the 0.25" band version accommodates the more common 0.25" elastic material, which is more comfortable and prints ~13% faster at ~13 grams, making it suitable for indoor environments while the 0.5" version is better suited for outdoor use. By eliminating the double band of other 3D printed shields, we resolved the issue of the top of the shield being open to the air between the forehead and the shield without increasing print time or geometric complexity, making cleaning and reuse easier. The elastic band is elevated ~1" above the plane of the print, causing the shield to pitch 11 degrees away from the vertical axis, creating clearance for N95 masks. Additionally, the 0.25 band is designed for more readily available 0.25" elastic material. This print also reduces material use and nests better than other printed masks, allowing for 4 prints simultaneously on 200^2 mm printers, 6 prints on 300^2mm printers, and up to 22 on 500^2mm printers with typical print weights of 20 grams or ~$0.40/each. The shield material is a common 8.5"x11" cover punched with a comb ring binder, making it easy for end users to stock and replace these items. Currently, the design has been approved by half a dozen EMT units in Gasconade and Franklin County, is being used in two hospitals, and by 3-4 police stations. Our small enclave of 7 printers can comfortably turn out 120 masks/day, and we have provided 350 for these communities over the past 3 days with thousands to come at a per unit cost of $0.50/each. With local institutional approval in Mid Missouri, this design may save precious testing time for other potential donors.