NUA creates 400 NHS face shields in a single day
Four hundred face shields were cut in a single day by NUA technicians as part of a Norfolk-wide project to provide extra protective equipment for NHS workers.
Our Digital Design technician Sarah Kennedy used the university’s laser cutters to create the face shields to an NHS specification while Media Technician Adam Kiraly used 3D printers to fabricate headband components for complete visors.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Neil Powell said that if sufficient supplies of PETG plastic could be sourced, production at the university could reach 1,000 face shields per day.
The project is the outcome of a collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and part of efforts around the county to source new personal protective equipment for NHS staff.
Further work is now under way to explore how NUA’s 3D printers could be used to fabricate ventilator components.
“We are delighted that NUA’s 3D precision print and laser technologies, which are routinely used by students in the production of their creative work, can be re-tasked to help protect front line NHS staff. We are very grateful to our own key workers who have taken this work on so enthusiastically, whilst following government advice regarding social distancing and safe working practices.”
Professor Neil Powell
Meanwhile, the first 50 wash sacks for medical scrubs sewn by Fashion technician Chloe Fuller are being delivered to the NHS.
Chloe, whose sister Fay is a nurse, has been working at home on the sacks, which allow NHS staff to safely send their scrubs for high temperature cleaning at the end of each shift.
Chloe’s work on the wash sacks followed an approach by NUA alumnus, Cordelia Spalding, who asked if the university could support the Norfolk Scrubs volunteer project.
Post published: 15th April 2020
Last modified: 7th June 2021