Dow has developed a simplified face shield design and is sharing its design with the public, to help accelerate production rates of this critically-needed PPE. And the company is collaborating to produce 100,000 face shields for donation to the state of Michigan for distribution to hospitals.

Dow developed the resin film technology for these face shields through its prototyping and fabricating capabilities at its Pack Studios application development facility.

The face-shield design is very flexible, allowing for the shields to be produced from a variety of readily available polymers, and can be cut using several high throughput technologies, such as water, laser and die cutting techniques.

The face-shield design is flexible and comprised of a shield and forehead cushion.

It is also simple and lightweight, comprised of just two pieces – a shield and forehead cushion – which eliminates multi-component assembly that can slow production, allowing for faster distribution.

Dow also worked with other value chain partners to identify a fabricator for the foam comfort strip that enables the shield to be worn comfortably.

“Our goal in offering an open-source, simplified design is to provide a way for others to increase additional production of much needed face shields,” said Diego Donoso, president of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.

Dow shares the design with the public to encourage additional production.

Michigan-based tinkrLAB is serving as a key development partner providing laser-cutting and assembly and has already completed an initial allotment of production.

“Being a small business, we see firsthand the need from those on the frontline and even though we are small, we still wanted to have an impact and offer a solution,” said Melissa Rabideau, founder and president of tinkrLAB.

Several prototypes were field tested, and feedback from healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses was used to develop the final design. Face shields are often a one-time use item, however when utilizing certain film formulations, shields can be disinfected and reused.

Dow has developed a simplified face shield design and is sharing its design with the public, to help accelerate production rates of this critically-needed PPE. And the company is collaborating to produce 100,000 face shields for donation to the state of Michigan for distribution to hospitals.

Dow developed the resin film technology for these face shields through its prototyping and fabricating capabilities at its Pack Studios application development facility.

The face-shield design is very flexible, allowing for the shields to be produced from a variety of readily available polymers, and can be cut using several high throughput technologies, such as water, laser and die cutting techniques.

The face-shield design is flexible and comprised of a shield and forehead cushion.

It is also simple and lightweight, comprised of just two pieces – a shield and forehead cushion – which eliminates multi-component assembly that can slow production, allowing for faster distribution.

Dow also worked with other value chain partners to identify a fabricator for the foam comfort strip that enables the shield to be worn comfortably.

“Our goal in offering an open-source, simplified design is to provide a way for others to increase additional production of much needed face shields,” said Diego Donoso, president of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.

Dow shares the design with the public to encourage additional production.

Michigan-based tinkrLAB is serving as a key development partner providing laser-cutting and assembly and has already completed an initial allotment of production.

“Being a small business, we see firsthand the need from those on the frontline and even though we are small, we still wanted to have an impact and offer a solution,” said Melissa Rabideau, founder and president of tinkrLAB.

Several prototypes were field tested, and feedback from healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses was used to develop the final design. Face shields are often a one-time use item, however when utilizing certain film formulations, shields can be disinfected and reused.