Coronavirus: Hong Kong university to mass-produce reusable face shields for public to help in fight against epidemic
- Protective masks designed by Polytechnic University using 3D-printing lab
- First batch of 30,000 to be rolled out in three weeks and expected to cost between HK$40 and HK$50 each
Polytechnic University is to mass-produce reusable and affordable face shields for community use as part of Hong Kong’s fight against the coronavirus epidemic.
On Thursday, the university said it would roll out the first batch of 30,000 newly designed face shields in three weeks, for use by its staff and some students first, with the remaining being donated to several non-governmental organisations.
The new protective coverings, designed by the university’s 3D-printing lab, are expected to cost between HK$40 and HK$50 each.
Each can be reused up to 60 times after being cleaned with soapy water or alcohol disinfectant. Users will be able to eat or drink without the need to take off the face shield.
PolyU is to make two types of face shield, a universal one that will cover up to the forehead, and one with extra protection that covers part of the head. There will also be a smaller size available for children.
“After several attempts, we finally managed to find one Hong Kong manufacturer to produce these face shields in Shenzhen,” said Man Hau-chung, dean of the engineering faculty at the university.