Canadian makers 3D-print PPE in response to COVID-19

Manufacturers and hobbyists across Canada answer the call to make face shields

Ontario’s InkSmith shipped an order of The Canadian Shield to Cambridge Memorial Hospital. InkSmith

Given the current level of pain and disruption here in the U.S., it’s easy to forget that other countries are fighting their own battles with the coronavirus. Among them is our neighbor to the north, whose citizens and caregivers are also struggling to procure enough PPE (personal protective equipment) to keep everyone safe.

The good news is that selfless people everywhere have stepped up, heeding the call to help in any way they can. One of these is Kevin Van Der Zwaag, operations manager at VanDerZwaag Machining & Development in Waterloo, Ontario. He responded to a recent shout-out from an unexpected source.

“There’s a company in Kitchener (Ontario) named InkSmith that supports STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) educators with equipment and training,” he said. “They launched a crowdsourcing request a few weeks ago to all local manufacturers, hobbyists, students—anyone with a 3D printer—to start making face shields. They’re the ones who deserve the credit.”

Kudos aside, Van Der Zwaag signed up on the InkSmith website, downloaded the CAD files for the Prusa Face Shield, and began printing parts. He has produced hundreds of components thus far, all on his dime, with more in the works.

Jessica Braun, the digital marketing specialist at InkSmith—a supplier of 3D printers, robots, virtual reality headsets, and other products for grade schoolers—said, “The community really banded together. Because of their efforts, we’ve been able to distribute face shields by the tens of thousands to underfunded hospitals, retirement homes, and similar institutions.”

The InkSmith management team decided to take the initiative one step further. They developed a laser-cut face shield, one that not only can be manufactured more quickly than the 3D-printed version but is also reusable. They dubbed it The Canadian Shield, and together with a rapidly growing team are working around the clock to convert what was a sales and training facility into a full-scale manufacturing operation.

In the meantime, Van Der Zwaag and more than 2,000 other Canadian makers continue their efforts to help those on the front lines. “This is a great example of how 3D printing can be used to mobilize quickly, filling the gap until you can manufacture these and other life-saving medical products at the necessary quantities,” he said. “From my side, I’m just glad to help in any way I can.”

InkSmith