Wisbech firms get together to make NHS shields

Two Fenland firms have teamed up to produce high spec face shields for key workers at a local cancer treatment centre.

Based in Wisbech, Rapid Manufacturing Consultancy FRP has recently teamed up with another local company – Pure Fine Laser of Sandall Road – to provide the high specification face shields free of charge for key workers at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre based at the North Cambs Hospital.

Using a ‘best of both’ approach, FRP 3D printed the headband and lower curved sections in tough ABS plastic and Pure Fine Laser supplied the laser cut, medical grade clear PETG sheet for the main shield.

FRP assembled these three items before adding a foam liner for comfort and a perforated elastic strap to make the final product completely adjustable for the end user.

Recent studies have shown that in addition to the PETG material being suitable for cleaning with alcohol, user comfort and adjustability were two major factors for key workers having to wear this type of personal protective equipment for extended periods, typically in conjunction with other items of PPE such as a surgical mask.

FRP’s managing director Nick Osborn explained: “I spoke to Jason Hatcher at Pure Fine Laser and we agreed we just wanted to do something to help and support our fantastic local key workers.

“Our work in highly regulated markets such as the medical and automotive sectors has given us the experience to make a real difference with a high specification, fully adjustable and comfortable Face Shield suitable for use throughout a long shift.”