Made in Space is 3D printing face shields. Photo: Made in Space

Made in Space (MIS) has supplied hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mountain View, California, with 3D printed face shields made in its nearby facilities. The masks are meant to address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) that healthcare professionals are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

MIS facilities in Jacksonville and Moffett Field, California, have produced more than 200 masks over the past five days, the company said in an April 8 release. The design includes a 3D printed frame with an adjustable headband that allows a clear plastic face shield to be snapped on. MIS said its engineers have also worked with doctors in Jacksonville to develop a rapid response ventilator adapter to enable a single ventilator to safely support multiple patients in extreme situations.

“In times of crisis it is important for everyone to come together and we have an obligation to support those on the front lines,” said MIS Chief Engineer Michael Snyder. “Our team is using every available 3D printing resource we have to produce face shields to support our local healthcare personnel.”