Appliance of science helps students line up visor aid
SCIENCE students have helped meet the shortfall of personal protective equipment for key workers by producing hundreds of face visors.
Ben McIlveen and Bryn Barker, both 17 and normally sixth formers at the King’s School, are aiming to make more than 1,000 of the items.
The scheme was the brainchild of Bryn, who responded to his mum’s request for assistance.
He knew his pal Ben had a 3D printer so - working from the separate homes - the pair sourced a design from the internet and set up a gofundme web page.
A huge response saw £2,600 raised so they bought the necessary materials as well as another 3D printer to increase production.
A sponsor also stepped in to provide a third printer and with the teenagers now looking to buy a fourth it is all systems go for their production line.
Ben said: “It is clear that the NHS needs more PPE but that manufacturers were struggling to meet demand and I thought I could make a difference.
“It isn’t particularly labour intensive as the 3D printer does the work, but we have to set up the machines and then attach the acetate face visors and box them up for delivery.
“They should be worn together with more PPE but they do keep any spray off the face and have been warmly received.”
Bryn added: “We have given them to local GP practices and care homes and some to the
Christie in Manchester.” “We each spend a few hours every day working on the project, which supplements the home working programme we’ve had from King’s.
“It’s a shame to miss our schooling, but there are more important matters at the moment and we wanted to be part of the effort.”
To donate visit gofundme. com/ f/ highpeakvisors.