To print, assemble, and deliver 1800 medically-approved face shields for district staff, as we prepare for a return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timeframe: August - September 2020

The face shield design ("3dVerkstan") we have selected was designed in Sweden, by Erik Cederberg of 3dVerkstan in response to medical PPE shortages, and posted online in late March 2020.

Globally, grassroots efforts to 3D print PPE began in earnest with the spread of the pandemic and severe shortages of medical PPE. The 3dVerkstan design was widely adopted due to its simplicity, use of commonly available, inexpensive materials (i.e., standard transparent sheets), and ease of printing/transport/assembly.

The design was quickly approved for medical use in the United States by National Institutes of Health and Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital in early April 2020.

This design was successfully printed and donated to local and regional providers in Spring 2020 by Steinert High School's Innovation Lab and by the larger statewide 3D printing alliance, with many medical facilities making multiple/repeat requests for their frontline staff.

Donning/Doffing

Hold your face shield gently by the side arms to slide it on/off. Avoid touching the inside or outside of the shield to avoid contamination.

Fit

The visor should sit across your forehead, so the clear shield extends below your chin. Adjust placement to comfort. You can adjust the fit of your face shield by connecting the two ends, across the back of your head, with an elastic band or hair tie.

Cleaning

Your face shield is constructed of a clear PVC sheet, and a 3D printed PLA plastic visor. Both can be gently cleaned on a daily basis with Dawn brand (or similar) dishwashing soap and warm (NOT hot) water. Wearing gloves, wipe the inside of the face shield, followed by the outside of the face shield, and let air dry. Practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning your face shield. We do not recommend disassembling your face shield for routine cleaning, as the holes may tear with repeated assembly.

Disinfection

To disinfect your face shield, the CDC recommends 60% alcohol wipes or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Wearing gloves, wipe the inside of the face shield, followed by the outside of the face shield, and let air dry. Practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning your face shield. Clorox and similar brand wipes are not recommended, as they typically leave a residue on the clear PVC shield.

Storage

We recommend storing your clean, dry face shield in a two gallon plastic zip-lock bag.

Replacing the clear sheet

The clear plastic sheet can be replaced using a standard PVC report cover (provided) or a standard transparency (acetate or mylar). The top is 6-hole punched, and the bottom corners are rounded, according to this pattern. Note that mylar or acetate transparencies are typically thinner and less clear than PVC report covers, and may not respond as well to the same cleaning and disinfection products.

Requesting a replacement sheet or visor

Visors and clear shields will be replaced for HTSD staff, while supplies last. Please ask your principal to submit the request using this form.

Questions about your face shield?

Please visit our PPE FAQ, or email rrogers@htsdnj.org.