Teacher creates 3D printed face masks for NHS workers
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A WICK High School computing science teacher is using his professional knowledge to create face masks to help protect frontline health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chris Aitken, who lives at Gills and is off work as the schools are closed, was approached by a healthcare professional about making personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS workers in the county – especially face masks and guards.
"I assumed this was because there's a shortage of PPE in the NHS," Chris said.
"I was delighted to have been asked to do it. The trouble was that the equipment needed was locked in the school.
"Luckily, Sandy the janitor very kindly picked it up and took it out here to me."
Chris is making the masks out of PLA plastic and is using elastic donated by Rosemary Muir. He said it takes 3.5 hours to print one mask.
"These masks are a great design that allows the wearer to insert a filter material in the front," he said. "I also hear that people are using Henry Hoover bags as filters as they're a good source of Hepa [high-efficiency particulate air] filters."
Chris is keeping himself busy by creating protective face guards as well.
"I've been printing these out and the [school] tech department has been laser-cutting acrylic ones," he said.
"I got to the point where I couldn't print enough to keep up with demand and put a call-out on Facebook for anyone in the area with a printer to create some for me."
Chris said he was "totally humbled" by the response, with people telling him they had started 3D printing using their own materials and machines.
"We're on track to deliver about 50 masks around the county," he said on Tuesday night.
Willie Miller from Wick saw Chris's post on Facebook asking if anyone could assist in producing more PPE masks as he was "limited to just three a day and demand is high".
"I spoke with Chris and found out the specific model of printer he was using," said Willie, who is working from home to help support BT Enterprise customers out of the Thurso service centre.
"I thought it was a fantastic thing he was doing and suggested I try and raise funds for an additional printer and materials.
"This would then allow production to be doubled."
The response to the crowdfunding appeal was overwhelming and raised close to £2000 in just 12 hours.
"Donations came from individuals and two substantial ones from Caithness Beach Cleans and the Wick Gala Committee," Willie added.
After the coronavirus crisis is over, the 3D printer will be donated to Wick High for use by the pupils.
Wick and East Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner has also been helping coordinate the operation by bringing together as many printers as possible.
On seeing the money raised and work done, he wrote online: "What an achievement. Words normally don't fail me but I don't know what else to say here."
The crowdunding page for those wishing to help raise money for a 3D printer has hit its target but additional funds can still be sent to help create more masks and PPE equipment.
To donate visit the JustGiving link: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/william-miller-5
