the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa State Innovation Council in collaboration with Dr K B Hedgewar Scool’s Atal Tinkering Lab has designed low-cost, reusable ‘f24 face shields’ using 3D printing technology.
Till date, the lab has donated 421 face shields to frontline health workers across the state through hospitals, Health Department and other agencies.
The self-fitting face shields are an economical and effective addition to the list of personal protection equipment presently being used by frontline health workers.
Hedgewar School ATL’s in-charge Chintamani Shirodkar stated that the lab is committed to delivering 1,000 face shields to the Health Department by April 26.
“It takes around 50 to 55 minutes for the 3D printing of each unit. We sterilize the unit after production and before packaging. The package consists of two parts, the OHP transparency visor and the 3D printed harness. Initially, we had some difficulties in production. But we are now capable of producing 75 units each day,” Shirodkar said.
He further informed that the primary raw material used in production of the f24 face shields is polylactic acid (PLA), which is a bio-decompostable polymer derived from renewable sources such as naturally-occurring starches.
Presently, Hedgewar School’s ATL secures spools of PLA from Pune. Explaining the usage of the face shield, Shirodkar said, “It is different from a face mask, in the sense that it is an additional apparel to be used over the face mask. The face shield prevents accumulation on the mask and reduces chances of contamination by providing this dual protection.”
These f24 face shields feature an ergonomic design and are extremely lightweight. They are reusable and can be sterilised at home, making it a convenient apparel for individuals engaged in essential services.
