Forecourt hand-protection manufacturer turns over 3D-printing machines to production of face shields
GripHero, is working around the clock to produce free protective face shields for frontline NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic. These will be dispatched to a central collection centre in Sheffield before being distributed to hospitals across the UK.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the shortage of protective wear for medical personnel in the UK, the Devon-based business has been manufacturing and assembling protective face shields to help frontline NHS staff stay safe from the potential spread of the virus.
Using their in-house 3D printers, combined with PrusaPrinters’ downloadable face shield design, the company is well on the way to producing 200 face masks in just four weeks.
The PRUSA RC3 face shields are made from Polylactic acid (PLA) material, which provides a strong protection barrier from infectious droplets entering the eyes, nose and mouth of staff.
This is the latest step taken by GripHero to combat the spread of Covid-19. Just a month ago they took the bold step of offering its fuel-nozzle mounted hand-protection dispensers free to forecourts internationally to help stop the spread of the disease at the fuel pump.
The response to that offer, has been overwhelming with thousands of forecourts signing up to protect motorists by installing GripHero’s dispensers.
Commenting on decision to help meet demand for NHS PPE, Oli Yeo, GripHero’s creator, said:
“With our 3D printing capability, we realised that we could play an active part in PPE production. Now, it’s a matter of how quickly we can make the masks and get them out to frontline staff and key workers. With a huge effort from our team, all observing strict social distancing, we have been able to produce 140 face masks to date and we plan to keep up production for as long as it is needed.”
Oli added:
“Our ethos at GripHero is to protect individuals from the potential spread of infection and viruses when fueling their vehicles, so it seemed natural for us to step up to the plate and play our part in helping to develop more PPE equipment when the UK needs it most.”
Our editor says:
“This is a fantastic effort Oli, so a big thanks to you and all the team down in Devon.”
www.griphero.com
or call 01837 811035.
