IMechE Malaysia Branch and IMechE Student Chapter, Asia Pacific University design and print 3D face shields for front line workers

The current COVID-19 pandemic has raised virus transfer threats and the shortage for PPE kits for frontline workers in Malaysia.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s IMechE Student Chapter in partnership with IMechE Malaysia Branch ventured into 3D printing of PPE face shields to help protect vulnerable frontline workers for healthcare and essential services.

Face shields perfectly replace regular masks as a more comfortable and more effective deterrent to COVID-19. Face shields, which can be affordably produced via 3D printing, assembled in quick manner and distributed, should be included as part of strategies to safely and significantly reduce transmission in a community setting.

In production

Within APU, a joint venture was formed between the IMechE Student Chapter and APU’s Centre for Robotic Engineering (APCORE). Under the guidance of APCORE academic head Mr Suresh Gobee (CEng-IMechE), students Calvin Lim, Teoh Kean Hao and Kenneth Lee completed the tasks and are

Assembly

The 3D printing process generated complex three-dimensional objects from computer-aided designs completed by the students who are all studying BEng (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering. Rapid prototyping was put in place to ensure smooth printing of the 3D printed face shield which is connected to a headband. The face shield or visor is made from a special polymer that repels viruses and bacteria. Unlike a face mask that is only covering the nose and mouth, a visor provides a 180-degree protection of the face, and also prevents the person from touching the face. The face shields are sustainable, can be washed, disinfected and reused multiple times. The students also got guidance from 3-D Printing Malaysia Community.

Out on delivery

“In times of crisis, institutions like APU and IMechE have defined a social responsibility to mobilise students, resources and their engineering capabilities in the service of those who need it most,” said Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Innovation Officer, Professor Ir Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, who is also the IMechE SEAR Chair and was instrumental in driving the initiative.

Delivery

Prof Vinesh’s vibrant connections with the local industry allowed for APU face shields to be delivered safely and used productively by Port essential workers in Port Kelang and healthcare staff at Hospital Putrajaya.