A 3D ‘print farm’ providing vital protection

A partnership between King’s Health Partners’ organisations and 3D printing manufacturers is helping supply face shields for staff.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust received its first delivery of face shields in late April 2020, created in a specially developed "3D printing farm".

The 3D printing farm is a collaborative development between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and 3D printing companies and enthusiasts. Additional voluntary support has been provided by King’s College London staff and students.

The 3D printing manufacturers were brought together at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust’s supply chain hub in Dartford, which contains over 200 printers working 24 hours a day to make face shields.

This 3D printing farm produces approximately 1,500 face shields a day. These face shields are paired with a visor and assembled by a team of volunteers from across King’s Health Partners and 3D printing companies.

This team of volunteers has ensured that King’s Health Partners was able to produce its own face shields and other items rapidly to support frontline staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and other hospitals in need.

You can explore additional COVID-19 fundraising activities across King’s Health Partners on our website.