8th grade student uses 3D printer to make face shields for food bank workers

Putting his newly purchased 3D printer to work, an eighth-grader at Milpitas Christian School created face shields for workers at the Milpitas Food Pantry who are distributing meals during the coronavirus pandemic.

Terry H. (no last name given) undertook the project after learning about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.

“I wanted to help others,” he said in a statement. “I researched YouTube videos and adapted a face shield design using available materials.”

Terry printed the parts of the face shield in about six hours and worked late into the night to assemble all the pieces. In less than 24 hours, Terry had completed two face shields, which he donated to the food pantry.

The Milpitas Food Pantry is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that distributes emergency food and food assistance to more than 3,500 low- and fixed-income people. The majority of their clients are families with children and seniors.

The eighth-grader said it was easy for him to visualize the shields’ creation in 3D.

“Even people with limited experience can easily research the problem, find a design and create a solution that can help people,” he added.

Head of School Clark Gilbert credits Milpitas Christian’s emphasis on STEM curriculum—science, technology, engineering and math—for helping Terry develop his design.

“While our classrooms are closed during this public health crisis, students like Terry continue to learn remotely and put their knowledge into practice. They are true community contributors who use their talents and abilities to benefit the communities they live in.”

https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/04/12/milpitas-christian-student-makes-face-shields-for-food-pantry-workers/