Communication & Tracking

For tracking our output for the production of PPEs we used a shared Google Sheets file.

For 3D printed files (STL) we kept it accessible on Slack. To limit confusion, we only used approved versions of the 3D file. With Slack, we were able to set up separate channels to control conversations on relatable topics that needed to be addressed.

WhatsApp was another way for people to communicate. However most used it as a way to coordinate drop off and pick up of PPEs. 

Fundraising

We used the GoFundme platform to raise money for our volunteer endeavours. The money was used solely to procure PLA filament. Some members needed the funds to keep up with the maintenance of our 3D printers.

Our community members when approaching people in the public, always referred to the GoFundme page. It was our only public webpage, to inform what our volunteer group was about. We did not have any large social platform or official website.

What Are We Making?

The management leaders and our partners decided to go with the PRUSA RC3 Face Shield design. It is an open source design for PPE facial protection. It is widely used in the European healthcare systems.

Inksmith helped with the assistance of providing the facial shield component and assembly with additional parts. Also necessary was the proper sanitation of all parts before delivery.

The Earsaver

Another designed product we added to our 3D printing queue, was the Earsaver. The Earsaver’s purpose is to relieve stress on the ears. This was meant for facial cloth masks that use elastic straps. As healthcare workers wore masks for long periods of time, this would help release tension on the ears. The Earsaver also helped keeping a tight seal on the face covering.

The Earsaver’s simple low profile design allowed a lower print failure rate, and more pieces to be done on the 3D printer surface plate.

Logistics

Due to the nature of Covid-19 isolation, we needed to coordinate on a location to arrange for drop-off. The decision was made to use Durham College’s Oshawa Campus as the main area of drop-off. We would schedule 2 separate days and a time block. This would help minimize crowding and traffic, along with in-person contact.

Once the drop-off was completed, a person would take the items to Inksmith for assembly and quality assurance.

Assembly

When all the 3D printed components have been collected for the week, they were delivered to Inksmith for the final assembly process.

Inksmith provided us the quality assurance that our members might not catch during printing. If components didn’t meet specifications, they were destroyed. Inksmith would provide us any recommendations with our community to reduce fail rates when we were printing.

 Troubleshooting

As a community group, we always shared our results and findings when doing our print runs. It was obvious on one of the designs for lower shield braces, we needed to alter settings and check for consistency. Since we were all coming from different experience levels of 3D printing, we strived to educate each other on what to aim for.

Modifying Production

While some members were having success printing high volumes of PPEs, I could only produce so much at a time.

Communicating what was possible, and consulting with members how to produce more. We figured out methods like stacking and performing modifications on our 3D printers when possible.

Reaching Out

I recommended using a hashtag (#3DPTaskforce) for any posts our community members decide to share online.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, I subscribed to the podcast The Bridge, hosted by long-time CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge. I wrote into the podcast to share my volunteer endeavours during Covid-19. I also mentioned the GoFundme page for listeners, if they were interested in donating.