Covid-19

Face visors.

Our contribution to the fight against the virus

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Face visors

Face visors for clinics and medical practices in the region

Together with research and industry partners, we want to support clinics and medical practices in protecting against Covid-19 infections through ARENA2036. Instead of prototypes and components in the field of production technology and mobility, we are now producing reusable face visors for medical staff.

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Production with 3D printers and industrial laser cutting systems

Initiated by the ARENA2036 Research Campus and the Institute of Aircraft Structures (IFB) at the University of Stuttgart We manufacture we manufacture reusable facevisors (Face Shields) and are donating them to hospitals and doctors’ offices. The first prototypes were provided, among others, the Steinberg Hospital in Reutlingen, the Diakonie Hospital, and the Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart , and the design was quickly improved in collaboration with medical staff. Other members from industry and research soon joined the effort to meet the urgent need. 

As with many global initiatives, it all started with one of our 3D printers. The initial design of the Face Shield head mount actually came from the Czech Republic, from Josef Prusa (more on this on the Prusa’s Prusa Research). The face shield, developed in collaboration with the Czech Ministry of Health is is now available worldwide in . To produce larger quantities, we quickly began using laser technology provided by our partner TRUMPF, which allows us to manufacture a head mount in about 20 seconds. This has resulted in our current two designs—a 3D-printed version with an extra-large visor and a laser-cut version with an A4-sized visor and high availability. 

The face visors are not approved and do not replace medical protective equipment. Each doctor/facility must decide for themselves whether to use the face shields. We make no statement as to whether the face visors prevent or reduce infections. 

The first prototypes were developed together with the Institute of Aircraft Design at the University of Stuttgart and the German Aerospace Center.

...and produced on the basis of the Czech 3D printing manufacturer Prusa Research. The design was then further developed together with clinics.

Innovative robotic solutions for additive manufacturing (Space A, DLR) are also used.

In order to achieve high quantities, additional head holders are produced at TRUMPF using a laser cutting process. The residual material can be melted down and reused.

Head holders cut to size by TRUMPF using a laser.

Due to the scarce availability of transparent visor film, the Institute of Plastics Technology at the University of Stuttgart produces its own films for the project, here you can see the film extrusion line

The film is cut on a cutting plotter at the Institute of Aircraft Design, which is normally used for lightweight construction applications in aviation, among other things.

Production is carried out with the help of volunteer work by students at the University of Stuttgart. All components are first subjected to an initial inspection and cleaned.

The individual components are pre-sorted so as not to lose track of the daily production of up to 1000 visors.

Silicone straps are cut to size.

The face visors are then assembled, consisting of the head mount, forehead and front visors and a silicone rubber band.

The visors are checked and cleaned before packaging in compliance with strict hygiene measures.

The visors are packed in cardboard boxes and then handed out in the ARENA2036 logistics area or sent directly to the post office.

The end product is ready.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the current situation! Thank you to everyone who is taking care of our health! #staysafe

Approach

Coming from Munich or Karlsruhe via the A8 or from Singen or Heilbronn via the A81
Leave the freeway at the Stuttgart junction in the direction of "Stuttgart (Zentrum)/Vaihingen". Take the "Universität" exit. Turn left at the traffic lights into "Universitätsstraße". At the next opportunity, turn right into "Pfaffenwaldring" and then into the second street on the left. The ARENA is on the right-hand side, see directions below. For exact navigation

Coming from downtown Stuttgart, take the
. Follow the B14 toward Böblingen/Airport/Trade Fair/S-Vaihingen and then take the exit toward Stuttgart-Vaihingen-West. Turn right onto “Universitätsstraße.” At the next opportunity, turn right onto “Pfaffenwaldring” and then take the second street on the left. The ARENA is located on the right; see the map below. For detailed directions

Parking
Parking spaces are located along the Pfaffenwaldring, behind the ARENA building and in the parking lot opposite.

Plan route

Face-Shield pick-up times:
Please contact us by e-mail and we will get back to you to arrange an appointment.

Download area Face Shields

ARENA2036 Face Shields Lasercut

To increase production capacity, we developed a headband design for laser cutting based on Georgia Tech's suggestions. It is used with an A4 sheet (0.3 mm thick, standard office supplies) perforated symmetrically on the long side with 4 holes (hole punch set to A6). The material used for our headband is 5 mm POM. The additional headband shielding is laser-cut from 0.125-0.175 mm thick transparent film (although transparency is not essential here). The elastic band is a perforated silicone band (10 mm wide, 1-2 mm thick, 4 mm hole diameter, 12 mm hole spacing, 24 cm total length). If you cut the silicone tape yourself, you can of course remove the inner holes to speed up the process.

ARENA2036 Face Shields Additive

This is our 3D-printable face shield design, based on the fabulous Prusa design. Based on feedback from medical staff, we’ve adjusted a few details: a lower front shield height to facilitate head movements, a wider front shield for greater protection around the eyes (and corresponding pin positions), and additional attachment features for the elastic strap, depending on whether you’re using a die-cut or cut-to-size strap. We’ve also added our forehead shield. A sturdy and highly transparent forehead shield material (e.g., 0.4–0.5 mm PC or PETG) is highly valued by users. We’ve also omitted Prusa’s original lower reinforcement, as the stiffer materials retain their curvature even without it.

Prusa RC3 Forehead Shield