Addressing real world problems: Makerspaces' role in rapid development of PPE

Posted on November 12, 2020

COVID-19 has impacted society to the extent that effective solutions are required, especially regarding the strain on health care systems. Part of the strain was the demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as the capability of suppliers could not meet the high demands in public health care at the outset of the pandemic. PPE itself is used to mitigate exposure to prevent the spread of the virus and in so doing, to reduce the number of deaths as far as possible. PPE is especially necessary for those who are tasked with caring for the ill.

To contribute to this cause, the UP Makerspace continued to act as an innovation environment by rapidly creating 3D printed PPE for healthcare workers at the start of the lockdown. We managed to print over 1000 units of visor headbands, 2500 ears savers and various other protective solutions. In addition to these external collaborations, the MakerSpace still managed to address internal Library requests, such as social distancing cones and hands-free door openers. We continuously seek to innovate and address real-world problems through design and creation.

The MakerSpace uses 3D printing as it allows for the production of various types of products based on designs. This is only limited by the printer’s capability and design skills of the developers/creators. However, this is not the only method of manufacturing. For example, injection moulding can be set up for larger volumes and can be rather expensive if not many are required. An advantage of 3D printing is that we can customise solutions and products quickly to test and use them. There are different kinds of 3D printing, like Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). The various types are used to address various production and testing activities in an attempt to advance production methods or prototyping.

With the growing adoption and support of 3D printing, the MakerSpace has engaged in various research, teaching and learning-driven initiatives to help UP students and staff create new features. Not all solutions use impressive technologies and when developing solutions or creating prototypes, one should focus on the problem. The Makerspace itself, sometimes called a Hackspace or Fablab, is an innovation-driven environment that supports the ‘do it yourself’ (or DIY) movement and places great emphasis on learning-by-doing. Globally, libraries have conducted planning to address changes, where Makerspaces can act as catalysts to learn and engage in new ways. What we do is vital; in recent years, technology has expanded the way we work, from the photocopy machine to the internet what we do is vital.

- Author Sean Kruger

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