Face shield initiative adds capacity and partners.

A global effort.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stratasys has initiated a global effort to rapidly produce disposable face shields for use by medical personnel. This coalition includes over 150 companies and universities, as well as Stratasys, GrabCAD, MakerBot, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. Some of our partners include General Atomics, Medtronic, Mattel, Dunwoody College of Technology, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Minnesota.

Collectively, we have supply commitments for over 14,000 much-needed shields weekly. We’ll need to continue to grow capacity in the coming weeks to meet the demand for more than 40,000 per week, and ultimately, we expect injection moulding to take over much of the production (but that is still 3 weeks away). The dozens of deliveries sent so far go beyond hospitals to also include clinics, academic medical centres, fire stations and nursing homes with a complete 3D printed visor and clear plastic shield that covers the face.

There are two ways to join the effort:

Make it together. 

For any 3D printing shop that can print over 100 visors and send them to us, Stratasys will combine these with the clear plastic face shield and elastic bands. We will then distribute to hospitals and healthcare facilities that have reached out to us and requested them.

Here are some next steps:

1. Feel free to download the Face Shield Manufacturing Package and do a test print. We've provided a list of suggested materials where Stratasys or a Stratasys partner has completed a print that resulted in a successful build.

2. We will need to know your available printer types and the print quantities you are willing to donate per week. Then, if you qualify based on technology and capacity to donate, we will send you an invitation to register for GrabCAD Shop where you will be able to access your Shop orders. GrabCAD Shop will enable us to create a distributed manufacturing system where Stratasys can submit jobs to you and you can submit updates. Send us an email and we will get you set up.

Make it yourself.

For anyone who wants to produce face shields on their own, both visors and shields, we have printing and assembly instructions available for your use. You can download the Face Shield Manufacturing Package to get started. You can still sign up for GrabCAD Shop and Stratasys can distribute these for you or you can deliver them yourself.

Recruit others.

We are working to catch up to the demand for face shields. Please encourage others to sign up to help using our form at https://go.stratasys.com/lp-stratasys-helps.html.

Thank you!