Coronavirus: 3D-printer owners rally to create NHS face masks

Some 1,400 3D-printer owners have pledged to use their machines to help make face shields for the NHS.

Started by palliative-medicine doctor James Coxon, the 3DCrowd UK group is now looking to recruit more volunteers.

It says thousands of its 3D-printed masks have already been made and donated to hospitals, GPs, pharmacies, paramedics and social-care practices.

Healthcare workers say they are having to put themselves at risk because of a lack of personal protective equipment.

“We are basically asking all the people around the country with 3D printers to join our project to create face shields for hospitals and other health workers,” said Gen Ashley from 3DCrowd UK.

“We also need volunteers to help distribute the masks and donations from companies and the public to pay for materials and distribution costs.”