Volunteers 3D printing personal protective equipment for health workers

A Territory health worker, alongside a team of volunteers, have begun 3D printing face shields to provide to frontline health workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A team of NT volunteers is 3D printing face masks for health workers.

A TERRITORY health worker, alongside a team of volunteers, have begun 3D printing face shields to provide to frontline health workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project called ‘PPE for the NT,’ and led by Josh Bennett, is operating with the help of the Charles Darwin University, NT Health and members of the ADF based at the Robertson Baracks.

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The group is run under the guidance of Open Manufacturing Alliance Australia (OMA), a network of manufacturers working on local solutions for producing PPE (personal protective equipment) for frontline workers because of the worldwide shortage created by coronavirus.

So far, the group has supplied between 30 and 40 masks to various health units at the Royal Darwin Hospital, and is seeking donations for the materials require so they can continue to manufacture them. A GoFundMe has been set up for the project with the aim of raising $6500.

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“Our small group of local NT volunteers have joined forces to turn a hobby into an activity that can make a difference during this difficult time,” Mr Bennett said.

“Our current team of four locals and five printers are working hard to do what we can, however to ensure we can provide continuity over the coming months we need some help from our fellow Territorians.”

“Your donation will help buy a few additional printers and additional filament (the plastic 3D printers use to print with) to keep up with potential demand and enable the printing of more advanced PPE as needed by our people on the frontline.”