3D-printing specialist SYS Systems, and part of the Carfulan Group, has joined the fight against coronavirus by launching a project to create protective face shields – and now it’s empowering manufacturers across the UK to do the same.
There is an urgent need to equip thousands of NHS workers, law enforcement professionals and other key workers with full-face plastic visors to enable them to work safely on the front line.
Derbyshire-based SYS and Made in the Midlands member is putting its range of Stratasys 3D printers at its Additive Manufacturing Centre HQ to work, with the aim of creating around 300 masks a week and distributing them to those in most need – including the Royal Derby Hospital.
It has also contacted all customers who own the relevant 3D printers required to do the work and sent them clear, Stratasys-approved designs and instructions to get started. The instructions are available for any manufacturer to download and use by clicking here.
SYS Systems Managing Director Matt Fulton said: “Like everyone else we have been inspired by the efforts of NHS staff and our emergency services in these uncertain times, so we felt it was our duty to do something to assist.
“3D printing is proving an essential part of the global response to the Covid-19 epidemic due to how quickly and reliably it can produce parts related to shields, masks and ventilators among other things, helping to address shortages.
“We hope our customers will join us in doing everything we can to arm key workers with the tools they need to perform their essential duties, and we thank them in advance for their support.”
To help maximise hygiene and for ease of shipping, SYS Systems – a Stratasys UK platinum partner and part of the Carfulan Group - is recommending that those able to print protective face shields allow letting the provider or end user of the items to assemble them.
Those who can produce visors or shields in bulk but who do not have a customer for them are being urged to send them to SYS Systems for wider distribution.
The company is also making its 3D printers available for bureau work to ease the pressure being heaped on UK manufacturers by the coronavirus pandemic, with staff shortages and supply chain disruptions biting hard.
The Carfulan Group founded in 1989, is made up of a team of engineering experts based at its Innovation Centre in Foston, near Derby. They specialise in providing the most advanced manufacturing technology solutions available on the market, helping to bring ideas into reality and streamlining company processes, across it's four divisions: OGP UK, SYS Systems, ZOLLER UK and VICIVISION UK. Its work covers supplying and servicing for multi-sensor inspection equipment, 3D printing and tool presetting and measurement, as well as turned-part measurement solutions.
If you are interested in enquiring about the services on offer please click here.