DOST accelerates face shield production for COVID frontliners

By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

Understanding the growing need for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the frontlines in the Philippines as the uphill battle with COVID19 pandemic remains a challenge, the Department of Science and Technology accelerated its production of face shields to be distributed in various hospitals in the country.

Two research and development institutes of DOST and one research laboratory in a state university have devoted their resources in creating the face shields.

The DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), led by its Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon, is now doing mass production of face shields using injection mold.

“Initially, we produced 3D printed face shields as our stop-gap measure.  But we wanted to help meet the high demand for face shields, that is why we geared up for mass production.  We fabricated the mold for the face shield frames at the DOST-MIRDC, and we mass produce using a technology called the plastic injection.  The frame and the acetate together make up the face shield, these are secured with a garter.  We have technology partners who joined us in this cause, and so now we are able to ramp up our production to around 5000 face shields per day,” said Executive Director Dizon.

MIRDC initially produced 40-50 face shields per day through the Additive Manufacturing Center that used five (5) 3D printers.

The increase of the production volume of these face shields is also made possible through DOST-MIRDC’s technology partners; the Omnifab, which fabricated another injection mold and the Megasamsotite Plant in San Pedro, Laguna that offered its facility as a site for mass production of 2,500 face shields per day. This complements DOST-MIRDC’s own production of 2,500 face shields per day, thus bringing the total production of 5,000 face shields per day.

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), another DOST research and development institute, has already delivered to the Philippine Heart Center 100 3D printed face shields.

Led by ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, the agency worked 24 hours to produce the face shields and more will be produced by the Philippine Science High School Main Campus with the materials provided by DOST-ITDI.

The Bataan Peninsula State University – Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (BPSU-AMREL) created a process that combines 3D printing and injection molding in creating face shields at a faster pace but in a more customizable manner. This project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development led by its Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit.

AMREL Project Leader Dr. John Ray Dizon said that they are looking at the process of using 3D printing, for creating customizable molds, and injection molding, for mass production of the face shields. He further said that this process can be used as well for other items that needs customization but in a smaller quantity.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara revealed that the agency has found innovations to decrease the production time of face shields, a vital consideration in protecting frontliners facing the global pandemic.

“As we make change happen through research and development, we find ways in helping out our new heroes facing COVID-19. We shall continue to look for better means to support our frontliners through research and development,” Usec. Guevara said.