Librarians Design 3-D Printable Face Shields

As hospitals nationwide struggle to get personal protective equipment, librarians at Columbia University are offering an unconventional solution: guidance on how to use 3-D printers to make face shields.

In March the librarians released a “Guide and Design for Rapidly Manufacturing Face Shields,” that uses a 3-D printer and some household tools. They optimized a visor design to take about an hour to print. And they provided a design for the front of the face shield can be printed, molded by hand, and securely connected to the visor.

The team quickly shared their guide with other academic libraries who may be able to print shields and help with the evolving crisis. Learn more.