Local NHS front-line health workers and carers in Caerwent Monmouthshire and the local area that are currently facing a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. They don't have the right masks, visors, gloves. Many of our doctors and nurses are themselves unprotected. It's these 3D printed masks, or nothing. It's as simple as that. Every pound raised will be put directly into making masks.

I have three 3D printers that I use for hobby purposes, modelling and small engineering projects. But have been asked by many locals if I can make open source Prusa face masks for those in dire need. The Prusa design is free to make, and I can make up to 8 a day using my personal equipment in my spare time, all while I continue to work from home.

Learn more about the masks here: 3D PRINTED FACE SHIELDS FOR MEDICS AND PROFESSIONALS

These masks will be donated to people in contact with patients, and will free up other equipment so that it can be used when they are really needed. I can make these for approximately £3-4 each, with me donating my time and my equipment for free. They're not perfect, but they do a badly needed job until frontline workers can be properly equipped.

Here are some pictures of the first test mask I made today, on 28th March 2020. I've got elastic material to replace the rubber bands. But this is basically it. A simple protective mask for those who need them:

On the 30th March the first batch of ten masks were completed. Pamela checked the parts, modified the acetate sheets, cut the elastic straps and then assembled them while wearing surgical gloves. The ten were bagged and then collected by the local GP who first requested help. The first collection of what will be hundreds more! Awesome work from the community getting this going. Here's a photo of Pamela's handiwork, the very first batch!

Disclaimer

Please note that these face shields are homemade and are non-CE marked. They're a stop-gap and designed as single use only. Discard after use. Do not reuse and dispose of after use. I am not a medical professional, and have made these at the request of others desperate for any protection that can be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm making these for local NHS front-line health workers and carers in Monmouthshire, primarily in my local village of Caerwent and the neighbouring areas.

Pamela and I are providing the use of our own 3D printers free of charge for this projects, as well as out time to construct the masks and to organise the distribution. Every penny is going on the production of the masks. Most of the money is needed for 3D printer filament that costs £15-20 per roll (1kg) and for the packs of thick acetate sheets for the visors £15-30 a pack. Funds will also be needed to maintain the printers with fresh nozzles, bowden tubes, feeder gears, hotends and other parts that wear out etc. We've factored this in to put the cost per visor at £3-4 each.

The goal is just a start. The more funds that are raised, the more masks I will be able to produce. When they're no longer needed, if any funds remain they will be donated to local health related charities. The initial goal is to raise £1000 to allow us to produce 250 masks for local NHS front-line health workers and carers in Caerwent and the local area.

You'd think so. Sadly many local key workers have no protective equipment of any kind, and no way to get hold of them. I'm offering a stopgap until they can be properly supplied.

I've used my real name and I'm known in the local community. This fundraiser is local in nature, and for local people! You can find out more about me at Amazon:

My author-page at Amazon

Thank you for your support