The COVID-19 pandemic—independent from its impact on the health and wellbeing of millions—highlighted a gigantic flaw in laboratory safety. Our speaker, like many of you, took for granted that personal protective equipment was as ubiquitous as plastic wrap and available at the drop of a hat. It turned out, however, that the PPE supply chain was so precariously balanced that the once-predictable availability of equipment suddenly became scarce. So what was everyone to do? Wash masks? Reuse dirty equipment? As industrial production faltered, an unlikely group offered a solution: The Makers.

This webinar will tell the story of MSU 3DPPE, the people at the heart of it, and how they helped frontline medical personnel during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. What started as three “geeky” people, with 3D printers and an idea, quickly turned into a group of over 60 working nearly around the clock to fabricate validated and functional face shields for those treating our most vulnerable.

Our speaker will share with you:

• Why his team decided to make face shields and not face masks, from a liability and functionality perspective
• How they sourced our materials, implemented quality control standards, and distributed product rapidly
• Best Practices to minimize waste and maximize efficiency
• How they avoided the need to seek Emergency Use Authorization while still making a functional product
• Why 3D printed PPE can’t (and shouldn’t) ever replace commercial products
• How to make sure your fabricated PPE doesn’t become an expected part of your institution’s supply chain