Pendle engineers launch huge 3D printing face mask operation for NHS

3D printers are being used to create the life-saving PPE and industrious workers have already manufactured in the region of 600.

As demand soars, fellow volunteers have now set-up a JustGiving page – which can be found here – in order to buy materials as well more 3D printers.

A staggering £9,300 has been donated since last Monday and Gemma Dixon, who helped start the fund, said it was wonderful to see everybody coming together in such a short space of time.

"The story starts with a local hospital asking an engineer, who does 3D printing as a hobby if ,he could print 3D visors to protect their NHS staff in their fight against Covid-19.

"The engineer said he could and within a day, he had found a template, printed a prototype and had it reviewed and trialled by the hospital."

Within two weeks, 13 engineers had joined the operation with a team of volunteers also working on fundraising, advertising and distribution.

"The engineers, many are printing visors all day, every day, at home, in their own time, using their home hobby printers," said Gemma. "It's incredible, what they are doing.

"Not only are they producing these visors, they are are constantly improving the design.

"We are all spurring each other on. All money raised go towards buying the filament material to print the masks, and also to buy new printers, to increase capacity.

"So far, we have delivered to care homes, hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, pharmacists and undertakers across East Lancashire and Yorkshire. Our output will increase now that we have more printers on order, and more people to print the visors.

"The team keeps growing in numbers as more people are inspired by this amazing activity, and offer support."