DoST increases face shield output from 3D printers

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has increased its production of face shields for frontliners who face the highest risk from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Two research and development institutes and one research laboratory in a state university have devoted their resources to creating 3D-printed face shields, the DoST said in a press release on Monday.

The DoST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DoST-MIRDC) is now capable of making 2,500 face shields a day after fabricating an injection mold that speeds up the process.

MIRDC has also started producing 50 face shields per day through the Additive Manufacturing Center.

The DoST-MIRDC offices in Taguig and Laguna are also contributing to the production.

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), another DoST research and development institute, has already made 100 face shields, which were delivered to the Philippine Heart Center.

The DoST also said that with the materials provided by ITDI, more face shields will be produced by the Philippine Science High School Main Campus.

Meanwhile, the Bataan Peninsula State University-Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (BPSU-AMREL) has created a process that combines 3D printing and injection molding in creating face shields at a faster pace but in a “more customizable manner.”

AMREL Project Leader John Ryan C. Dizon said this process can be used as well for other items that need customization, though output is in smaller quantity.

DoST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the agency has found innovations to decrease the production time of face shields.

“As we make change happen through research and development, we find ways in helping out our new heroes facing COVID-19. We shall continue to look for better means to support our frontliners through research and development,” Ms. Guevara said. — Genshen L. Espedido