Amid a shortage of masks and goggles at medical facilities worldwide due to the new coronavirus outbreak, Osaka University and Charmant, a major manufacturer of eyeglass frames in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, have developed a shield that covers the entire face using an A4-size clear file and a 3D printer. They have disclosed the design for free.
Kiyokazu Nakajima, a professor and principal investigator at Osaka University, specializing in endoscopic treatment, and his colleagues, developed the idea using a familiar object as a substitute for a mask.
The frame, made of stretchable resin, can be created in about an hour with a 3D printer. It is completed by attaching an A4-size clear file, and protects the face from droplets that are released when coughing or sneezing. The materials cost between 100 yen to 340 yen.
"The design is available for the world. I want to tackle the virus with flexible thinking," Nakajima said. The design can be downloaded from Nakajima's laboratory home page.
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