Jim Correll, director Fab Lab ICC at Independence Community College, Independence Kansas 

Our efforts at producing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) continue. PPE includes such things as breathing masks of a type called N95, face shields, gloves and protective clothing. On one hand, we keep hearing reports of millions of pieces of PPE equipment being produced while on the other hand we keep hearing from people in need of PPE. We recently gave an ER nurse prototypes of our face mask and face shield for her to try out as she had not received any PPE from her employer. (Please keep in mind this column publishes one week after writing and with COVID-19, a lot can change in one week.) 

Gearing Up with Fab Lab Closed 

Before we got involved, we kept hearing the supply chain was catching up, but it kept not catching up. Since the Fab Lab is closed, colleague Tim Haynes and I each took 3D printers and a laser home. We started working on masks that would be a substitute for the N95. One area health provider told us they had some N95’s but could not get face shields. So, we found a 3D file for head bands and bought 1000 clear polypropylene report covers. I developed a laser file to cut the custom hole locations to snap the visor onto the head band. We’ve delivered a total of 90 head bands and 450 clear shields. Now, we’ve found a new file that uses standard 3-ring binder spacing for mounting the shield onto the head band so we’re switching to that. Now I can use a 3-hole punch and mechanical corner-rounder to prepare the face shields bypassing the more time consuming and smellier laser process. The latter design lends itself to resin casting so now we’re going to learn to make a silicone mold and pour plastic resin to make the head bands instead of the slower 3D printing process. Anyone willing to learn a fairly simple process could cast these face-shield headbands in their garage or home work-shop—no need for a 3D printer. 

Matching Need with Those Wishing to Help 

Gary Schoeniger, nationally recognized thought leader in entrepreneurial mindset and founder of the Ice House Entrepreneurship program, contacted us. He thinks there are hundreds in our region who want to help with the effort, but they don’t know what to do. A few may have 3D printers; many have sewing machines (that could be used to sew auxiliary masks.) He suggested developing a web page that matches PPE needs with those that have a means to help fill those needs. Such a page would explain that there continue to be shortages of PPE all over the United States and that there are maker and DIY people all over the United States willing to help but not sure where the needs are or how they can help. The page would take input from those needing the PPE and also input from those willing to help. We would review the information and attempt to match up the areas of need with those willing to help with the needs. We would also provide instruction and materials so that anyone with a desire to help and a willingness to learn would be able to learn how. There would also be a provision to take donations to, in some cases, help defray the cost of materials. 

We have launched the beginning versions of such a page at www.fablabicc.org. Look for the COVID-19 link. 

It’s not just front-line health care providers who need the PPE. We’ve heard from first responders, home health care providers and even a funeral home director. All need PPE as part of their daily function and all cannot get the PPE they need. So, even if the supply chain catches up next week, hope we will have helped from a few to many in the interim and learned some things that will be handy in the future.   

Jim Correll is the director of Fab Lab ICC at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the campus of Independence Community College. He can be reached at (620) 252-5349, by email at jcorrell@indycc.edu or Twitter @jimcorrellks. Archive columns and podcast at jimcorrell.com.