Thibodeau Face Shield – University of Oklahoma
Machines Required:
- 3D printer
- Laser cutter
- Or CNC machine
Material:
PLA, PETG, HDPE, ABS
Considerations:
This face shield frame, designed by Tyler Thibodeau, senior tech lead, Tom Love Innovation Hub, can be 3D printed, laser cut, or CNC machined. It works with a simple twice-hole-punched 8.5x11 piece of transparency paper using a convenient spacer for flipping and aligning the sheet - which is still a readily accessible material through amazon or other retailers.
If cutting the frame on a laser, use with HDPE or ABS. Even though the laser will slightly ablate the edges of the materials, the slightly raised edge aids with comfort. Avoid using acrylic, as its edges are sharp and uncomfortable, it's also brittle and could shatter when flexed. Each unit will need some scrubbing out of the laser though, to remove soot and particulate.
When 3D printing, we recommend PLA or PETG, because of ease of access.
This part can be machined on any CNC router, though special care must be taken to hold the material down with the number of cuts and pieces in the design.
Thibodeau Face Shield Assembly
Assembly:
Simple design including only frame, brace, shield, and strap - with optional forehead band for comfort. The lower brace helps with rigidity.
After producing the frame, you'll need to hole punch a standard transparency sheet twice. Use the available spacer file to align the sheet in a standard hole punch, then flip the sheet over and punch it again. Stretch the transparency sheet across the four tabs on the front of the frame. You can place the forehead comfort band as well, then stretch a silicone headband around the back to fit. If more coverage is desired above the frame, cut a transparency in half long-ways, hole punch it the same as before, and add it upside-down.
This frame can be sanitized for multiple uses. This is dependent on the preferences of the practitioner, and availability of supplies.
Download:
We encourage you to download these designs and produce them for your local hospital or healthcare organization after confirming their need:
By downloading these files you agree to the terms of the University’s COVID Use License
Additional Files
These files improve upon the designs fit and durability, but require laser cutting to produce. The Comfort Band is cut from any thin plastic, or can be 3D printed as thin as you dare on your machine. The silicone headband is cut from inexpensive silicone baking mats. Both will require some cleanup coming out of the laser:
Disclaimer:
The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma (“University”) makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to the design for a “Face Shield” (“Design”), whether express or implied, including any representation or warranty relating to the compliance of any part based on such Design with any specific regulation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of any patent or other proprietary right.
The Design should not be considered Personal Protective Equipment or “PPE” because its capability to provide protection is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering the use of the Design. The Design is not intended to be a suitable replacement for N-95 or other surgical masks for healthcare workers, nor does it eliminate the risk of contracting or exposure of others to any disease or infection. The Design and manufacturing of this “Face Shield” is not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nor has it been evaluated or approved by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or any other regulatory authority.
The individual, group, organization, or any other entity downloading the Design (“User”) acknowledges that User downloads and uses the Design at User’s own free will and own initiative and is aware that there are certain risks associated with using the parts based on such Design, including but not limited to, injury to the body, general health, and well-being, death, and/or property damage. User hereby voluntarily assumes all risks associated with downloading and using the Design, including the suitability and compliance with any applicable regulations.
The University shall not be liable for any claims, demands, damages or injuries, including but not limited to, property damage, bodily injury, death, indirect, special or consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with User’s downloading, manufacture, commercialization, and any other use of the Design.
