Biggleswade man helping NHS heroes by making masks with 3D printer

David Aggus, 27, is a member of ‘3DCrowd’, which has brought together nearly 5,000 amateurs with 3D printers (and a number of enterprises) to take on the mammoth task of bulk printing a face shield design by the Czech company Prusa.

The team has launched a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised over £78,000, to help cover the cost of materials and of transporting the masks to where they are needed.

David said: “I heard about the project through a colleague at work and was keen to help.

“The shortage of basic PPE for the NHS is an alarming issue - and is a matter of life and death - so it was great to see the 3D print community come together to help.

“I have the tools and skills to volunteer with the project and an added bonus is that I don’t have to leave the house to do it!”

David makes two of the Prusa designed headbands for the masks in just one print, which takes just under four hours. He has so far made 20 sets of completed parts for 20 face shields.

The clear plastic visor and elastic are then added at the 3DCrowd central warehouse in Sheffield, before being distributed to the NHS services that have placed orders.

The 3DCrowd network has also been helped by support from DPD parcel couriers, who have offered their collection service for free for those sending face shield parts to the central warehouse.

David, who is a mechanical engineer, added: “I have immense gratitude for all the hard work undertaken by NHS staff, care and emergency services and other key workers risking their lives to keep us safe, healthy and fed.

“We must make sure that our appreciation is displayed throughout this period and beyond once the pandemic has passed.

“I hope the clapping, banners, messages and the work done by 3DCrowd and the many other volunteering networks is helping our key workers at this immensely difficult time. Stay home. Save lives.”

To find out more about 3D Crowd or to donate, visit: https://www.3dcrowd.uk/