We are a volunteer group of medical professionals, engineers, makers, tinkerers, drivers, crafters and more, all with a single mission -- to create and deliver Personal Protective Equipment to health care workers here in WA state.

Our group started out coordinating makers, working from home, to 3D print face shields (https://www.facebook.com/groups/209781503693623). We originally saw ourselves as a local stop-gap measure until industry would spin up and fill the need. That hasn't happened, however, and so we are now scaling up our own efforts.

We have secured a supply chain that can deliver components for as many as 10,000 shields a day at full production, including an injection molded frame, die-cut polycarbonate shield, elastic band, foam strip for the forehead, and packaging. Together these components cost between $1.50 and $2.00 depending on volume.

We are now raising money so we can scale up our production. Our funds are also used to purchase materials for our makers, who are continuing to 3D print components at home, and who are now producing up to 1,000 shields a day. By buying in bulk, we can get the best pricing, and help makers keep printing who might not otherwise be able to continue purchasing and donating their own materials.  We also reimburse mileage driven by our road warriors in picking up and delivering face shields.

 
Since this effort started… 

Since all our makers are based in Washington State, we have been focused on supplying PPEs to the doctors here. However, we recognize that there are dire needs across the country and we have received requests from medical providers in our networks outside of Washington. We are looking now at where we can help outside WA, whether by sharing knowledge, or sharing resources or supplies. 

The group behind this effort is a diverse coalition of helpers, mostly from the greater Seattle region. Most of us didn’t know each other before this group brought us together. Many of us work in technology at local companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. This group has grown very quickly – from nothing to nearly 400 members in just two weeks. It’s been quite the roller coaster! 

I personally joined this group less than a week ago, attracted by the idea of doing something constructive to help with the Covid-19 medical crisis, and happy to put my 3D printer to productive use.  I am happy to now be serving as treasurer, and take very seriously the responsibility of making sure that any money raised on our behalf be spent wisely and in accordance with the intention of this campaign – to help produce personal protection equipment for frontline medical workers. In my day job, I am a general manager at Microsoft, but I have also founded and led several start-up companies, as well as leading the first Hour of Code campaign at Code.org. I understand the challenge of scaling a new organization very quickly, and am proud to be able to put my experience to use here. 

From the entire team of the Washington State 3D Face Shield Hub 
James Gwertzman (Treasurer)