x
Breaking News
More () »

BIW uses 3D printers to create face-shield holders for use in battle against COVID-19 coronavirus

Bath Iron Works delivered 75 pieces of COVID-19 coronavirus personal protective equipment to Maine Medical Center, will deliver 25 to Central Maine Medical Center

BATH, Maine — EDITOR'S NOTE: In the above video, NEWS CENTER Maine's Clay Gordon demonstrates one of the proper ways to take off protective gloves.

A team at Bath Iron Works is using 3D printers to create plastic face-shield holders, and on Monday delivered 75 shields and holders to Maine Medical Center to help protect staff during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Another 25 shields and holders are scheduled to be delivered to Central Maine Medical Center, spokesman David Hench said Tuesday.

BIW Engineering's Advanced Concepts Team and General Dynamics Additive Manufacturing working group designed the plastic holders, which wrap around the head at the forehead and secure a clear plastic shield, provided by the BIW Sign Shop and laser-cut to size, according to a release.

"The replacement face shield and holder is lightweight and designed to be printed quickly compared to the more robust, reusable ones that are standard in hospitals," the release said.

Social Distancing Video

BIW previously worked with Hardshore Distilling Company in Portland, using its 3D printer to produce a device that allows hand sanitizer dispensers to be refilled, increasing the availability of hand sanitizer for its workers.

RELATED: BIW uses 3D printers to increase hand sanitizer availability for its workers

The team is running a 3-D printer 24 hours a day to produce 12 holders per day. Two additional printers have been ordered.

"We will keep making and delivering them as needed, with our capacity increasing as the new printers come on line," Hench said Tuesday.

At NEWS CENTER Maine, we're focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus

NEWS CENTER Maine Coronavirus Coverage

RELATED: Bath Iron Works, Local S6 agree to month-long contract extension amid coronavirus pandemic

RELATED: Bath Iron Works VP calls legislator's remarks about shipyard's continued operation 'false, despicable and defamatory'

RELATED: Bath Iron Works union president says after company's response to coronavirus, 'I'd be shocked if there's not a strike.'

RELATED: Bath Iron Works to require Maine workers to wear face masks amid the coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak

RELATED: Bath Iron Works denies 'work from home' requests during coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic

RELATED: Maine plastic mold company stepping up to help fight COVID-19

NEWS CENTER Maine YouTube Coronavirus Playlist


Before You Leave, Check This Out