Teacher uses 3D printer to make hospital visors
A Lochaber High School computing and technology teacher is using a 3D printer to make much-needed protective visors for use by hospital staff treating COVID-19 patients.
After Belford Hospital consultant Patrick Byrne saw an online post describing how 3D printers could be used to manufacturer the protective face visors, he contacted Lochaber high teacher Stephen Stewart.
Mr Stewart, faculty head for computing science, business and digital technology at the Fort William secondary, explained: ‘I have a mate in the mountain rescue, Liam Jordan, who got in touch because he heard the hospital was needing visors as PPE [personal protective equipment] and one of the consultants had seen online they could be 3D printed.
‘He forwarded on my details to the consultant who got in touch and sent me a link to what kind of visor they need.’
Speaking to the Lochaber Times, he added: ‘I looked online for some concepts and used a similar design but had to tweak it for my own 3D printer and try and reduce print time.
Currently it takes two hours to print one but I am hoping to reduce that now the design is perfected. Since starting, I have printed five from one printer.’
Lochaber Mountain Resscue Team also has a role, adding the clear acetate screen to the visor. Mr Stewart described the reaction to the project as ‘amazing and very positive’. ‘So many people are saying it’s great to see non-NHS staff helping out where they can,' he said. ‘It is something as a school we should be proud of, that we are able to help out at a time of need. I think any school would do the same if it had the resources to do it.’
Mr Stewart has been at
Lochaber High School for eight years and recently led the Chromebook rollout that saw all pupils given their own personal learning computer.
‘I am a huge supporter of digital learning and making use of digital tools to enhance learning and teaching, 3D printers being one of these digital technologies,’ he said.
Dr Byrne has now tweeted his appreciation, saying: ‘This guy and his team of teachers are not just shaping young minds for the future, they are helping save lives right now.’
‘It is something as a school we should be proud of, that we are able to help out at a time of need.’