The University of Hull has started production of urgently-needed faceguards for the NHS and a local hospice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As the nation comes together to provide support for the NHS, a team of engineers and technicians are working at the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Aura Innovation Centre to increase supplies of this vital item of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals working on the frontline in our region.
The University aims to produce more than 400 faceguards in a pilot project – using 3D printing technology. 3D printing enables a three-dimensional object to be produced from a digital design.
Nathan Brown, senior lecturer in the department of Engineering and lead on this project, said: “Across the University, we are using our research, expertise and resources in a diverse range of ways to help with the nation’s effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The production of these faceguards is just one of the ways we can help boost supplies of essential equipment. Initially, we will respond to the requests from the NHS and a Grimsby hospice and hope to be able to print between 100-200 a day. Once we have fulfilled these requests we hope that we will be able to support other healthcare organisations in our region.
“Over the past week, a small team of engineers including myself, Dr Louise France (Lecturer in Medical Engineering) and Brian Houston (Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering) have been able to develop a design that is optimised for our 3D printers. Feedback from NHS consultants highlighted that some of the existing designs can become uncomfortable after a while and are not suited to all head sizes. We have now enhanced the design so that it flexes to fit the face of the individual user more comfortably.”