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| title | slug | description | tags | category | difficulty | time | keywords | location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faceshield with extrusion die and A4 clear sheet | faceshield-with-extrusion-die-and-a4-clear-sheet | This guide demonstrates how to make a face shield using fundamental materials and an extrusion machine. Face shields are in short supply in many regions impacted by COVID-19, and as many as 22 may be required per patient. A fast, DIY approach to production is essential. Note that face shields are meant to supplement goggles and masks, aiming to reduce viral exposure. |
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Products | Medium | < 1 week | face shield DIY, COVID-19 protection, extrusion machine face shield, homemade face shield, face shield assembly, HDPE face shield, nozzle design for face shield, plastic sheet shield, elastic band attachment, emergency face protection | Wick, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the) |
Faceshield with extrusion die and A4 clear sheet
This guide demonstrates how to make a face shield using fundamental materials and an extrusion machine. Face shields are in short supply in many regions impacted by COVID-19, and as many as 22 may be required per patient. A fast, DIY approach to production is essential. Note that face shields are meant to supplement goggles and masks, aiming to reduce viral exposure.
User Location: Wick, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
Steps
Step 1: Make a nozzle to attach to the extruder.
Instructions for Nozzle Design
The nozzle should feature a large entry point with a tapering end. Incorporate bars to partially cool the material and guide it towards the exit. To activate, apply heat using a hot air gun. The external plates should be spaced 0.04 inches (1 mm) apart. Operating without a nozzle increases difficulty in controlling the thickness and elasticity of the resulting band.
Step 2: Extrude the stripe
This part requires care to ensure the plastic is extracted evenly, maintaining consistent thickness and flow. Operate the motor at the slowest speed. Variations in thickness and cooling rates may cause twisting. Heat it with a hot air gun and use a metal mangle to straighten it, though the strip may remain slightly concave, which does not affect the design. Based on the Badger shield specifications, the optimal head contact is 13 inches (33 cm). Cut accordingly. We used HDPE, commonly sourced and easy to melt, from locally recovered ocean plastic.
Step 3: Punch holes for the attachment
The ideal attachment is a clothing elastic band. In its absence, use rope as shown in an example from a tutorial. To facilitate attachment without knots, punch several holes. A 10 mm (0.4 in) square wood chisel is suitable. Create three pairs of holes and one set of three holes on one end, or reduce to two pairs if using rope.
Step 4: lace the plastic band
Arrange components according to the drawing for optimal comfort. The two-hole design enables quick adjustment for any head size. The third hole provides a secure latch for the elastic band. For easier adjustment, use a knot as shown in the third illustration.
Step 5: Staple the screen
Instructions for Assembling a Screen Attachment
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Center the screen with your attachment and begin stapling at one end. Three staples are sufficient: one at each end and one in the middle, applied progressively from one side to the other.
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Ensure staples remain open until the screen is pulled tightly against the extruded plastic strip. If necessary, repunch the screen to achieve the desired tension.
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Plastic sheets can be obtained from overhead projectors or lamination machines, where two ends can be adhered together.
Guidelines for Shield Use
The shield should only be employed in urgent situations where no alternatives exist. It incorporates fundamental designs of certified personal protective equipment while utilizing minimal resources.
For further information and updates, please visit the following link: plasticatbay.org: plasticatbay.org/2020/03/29/plasticbay-faceshield-design
Resources
Hardware
- Extrusion machine with adjustable speed motor video guide
- Custom nozzle (1 mm spaced plates, cooling bars for material guidance)
- Metal mangle for plastic straightening
Tools
- Hot air gun (plastic heating/activation)
- 10 mm square wood chisel (hole punching)
- Stapler (screen attachment)
Materials
- HDPE plastic (recovered ocean plastic, meltable)
- Overhead projector/lamination machine plastic sheets
design specs - Elastic bands or rope (head attachment)
- Staples (for securing screens)
Software
- None required
References
Articles
- Face Shield Assembly and Production - DFab
- Prusa Research Face Shield Design - Core77
- DIY Face Shield from Soda Bottles - Jewish Journal
- COVID-19 Face Shield Guide - Instructables
PlasticatBay Face Shield Design