PITCHING IN

Florida Polytechnic University Using 3D Printers to Make Face Shields

- PAUL CATALA

WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY to help patients affected by the coronavirus arose, Matt Bohm says it was the perfect time to share with those in need.

Along the way, the current health crisis has allowed faculty such as Bohm, staff and students at Florida Polytechnic University to do their parts to help curb further transmission of COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus.

At Lakeland’s Florida Poly, a team has been working to build personal protection equipment for nurses, doctors, therapists and others on the front lines treating patients during the pandemic.

Through a partnership with AdventHealth, a faith-based, nonprofit healthcare system headquartered in Altamonte Springs, the goal of the cooperative effort is to help alleviate a shortage of various protective supplies for healthcare groups and organizations across the United States.

At the university, a group of about 12 student volunteers, interns, and paid laboratory technicians are using 3D printers on the campus, about 12 miles northeast of downtown Lakeland.

The group is using the 3D printers to make components for the now near-mandatory protective face shields. After the 3D-printed headbands and other pieces are done, staff at AdventHealth’s Nicholson Center in Celebration will work to take the equipment to AdventHealth locations across Central Florida.

Bohm is in charge of organizing the outreach initiative at the university.