Face Shield Printing
City laboratory "Mitmach_X" at Chemnitz University of Technology participates in nationwide initiative "Maker vs. Virus”
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Michael Storz from the city laboratory "Mitmach_X" at Chemnitz University of Technology is coordinating the campaign. Photo: Sven Gleisberg
In addition to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the city laboratory "Mitmach_X" at Chemnitz University of Technology on the Brühl has also entered the field of manufacturing 3D-printed face shields. In the City Lab, space, technology, methods, and the knowledge of the staff of the university’s Professorship of Media Informatics are put at the service of a good cause. Michael Storz coordinates the campaign, which is part of the nationwide initiative "Maker vs. Virus,” and maintains contact with 15 "makers" in the Chemnitz city area who produce equipment parts of the face shields on their home 3D printers. In the city laboratory, the printed head frames of the face shields and the transparent visor foils are assembled with the rubber bands before delivery.
"So far, 70 face shields have been delivered to dentists, kindergartens, the Dürrengerbisdorf Volunteer Fire Brigade, and in the Zwickau District, among others," says Storz. It is always important to point out that the 3D-printed face shields are not tested and certified medical products. Nevertheless, they fulfill an important function as the global markets for protective equipment are exhausted. The demand for masks and shields is likely to increase in the coming weeks, reports Storz, who has already received enquiries from tradespeople who want to return to serving customers under certain conditions starting 4 May.
"With this commitment from Michael Storz, our city laboratory can live up to its name even in the time of corona and bring together movers and shakers - in this case for the uncomplicated production of face shields and their distribution to people who want such equipment," says project manager Dr. Andreas Bischof. Bischof will propose a change in the research plan to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which is funding the city laboratory. "For us, this is not only a practical opportunity to help, but also an exciting research topic when makers unite to help society".
Further information can be obtained from Michael Storz, Telephone 0371 531-39213, E-mail michael.storz@informatik.tu-chemnitz.de
(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)
Matthias Fejes
20.04.2020
