Kettering schoolboys do their bit for the NHS by 3D printing face shields

So far they have donated 177 masks
Maciej (left) and Sean (right)Maciej (left) and Sean (right)
Maciej (left) and Sean (right)

Two Kettering school pupils are helping hospital staff in the fight against Covid-19 by producing face shields.

Maciej Smolinski and Sean Dimmock, who are both in Year 10 at Kettering Science Academy in Deeble Road, have used 3D printers to donate 177 masks to the NHS.

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Having refined a design to get the print time below 30 minutes per mask they are part of a team of printers who have so far produced more than 600 face shields.

The pair are making about 30 a day, but, with the arrival of a new 3D printer next week, Maciej is planning to boost his total to around 50 per day.

He plans to continue until lockdown is over - and maybe beyond depending on the materials he has left.

Maciej said: "NHS staff are in great need of this protective equipment and need these masks to be made.

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"I own a 3D printer and I'm able to produce these shields. However, the materials cost money and I would be very thankful for any donations of any size to help out with the production of these.

"All the masks will be making their way to hospitals in need of these. I will not be making any profit from the donations, 100 per cent of the funds raised will go towards face masks and the fight against Covid-19.

"The money will be used to purchase the materials and machines needed to make these masks. Your donations, however, small will be of great support and will allow us to purchase more materials and make more shields. All extra funding will go to others with 3D printers to also make shields in the local area."

So far a fundraising page set up by the boys to finance the initiative has raised £555.

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Kettering Science Academy principal Tony Segalini said: "This is a fabulous initiative and I am very proud of our students who have stepped up and helped in this very creative and practical way."

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