Manchester Central Library 3D prints PPE for health and care workers
- Written by I Love MCR
- Last updated 5 years ago
- City of Manchester, Civic
A high-tech printer from Manchester Central Library is being used to produce protective headgear for local health and social care workers during the coronavirus crisis.
Before the lockdown, the 3D printer formed part of the library’s offer to the city’s business community and was accessible for free, via Manchester’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).
Until the library can reopen to the public, staff are using the printer to produce face shields, for creation and distribution as part of the ShieldNHS initiative (see Note to Editors).
The simple design takes around 90 minutes to print and is being widely used around the world. BIPC staff have been supported by engineer Nik Sheppard, who runs the Shielding Stockport PPE initiative, to source the necessary materials and resources to put the 3D printer to work.
The printer is running at the home of a staff member who has volunteered to take part and who has also built a second 3D printer, to double the potential output.
Around 40 headbands have already been produced, which are set to be attached to acetate sheets, to make them ready for use. Staff are aiming to create 15 – 20 new shields per day during the pandemic.
Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “The Business & Intellectual Property Centre at Central Library is in normal times a fantastic resource for local people who want to grow their existing small business, or start up a new venture. So it’s no surprise that its staff have come up with this brilliant way to use the latest technology to support frontline health and care workers during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Manchester Business and Intellectual Property Centre at Central Library is a partnership between Manchester City Council and the British Library. It is a member of the BIPC network, supported by the Intellectual Property Office, Department for Communities & Local Government and Arts Council England.
- This article was last updated 5 years ago.
- It was first published on 18 April 2020 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.
Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!
An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
While we can’t guarantee to publish everything, we will always consider any enquiry or idea that promotes:
- Independent new openings
- Human interest
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community Interest Companies (CiCs) and projects
- Charities and charitable initiatives
- Affordability and offers saving people over 20%
For anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about advertorials (from £350+VAT) and advertising opportunities: [email protected]
The very special toy shop where parents don’t pay a penny is open – and busier than ever
Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity celebrates 40 years of supporting the needy
Games, science and history collide at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this winter
Best bars and pubs to watch the football and live sport in Manchester
How Baguley Hall Primary School is nourishing minds with a morning Magic Breakfast
