Adidas works with Carbon to produce 3D-printed face shields

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 14, 2020

Adidas has taken the next step in its work with 3D printing specialist Carbon. After originally reimagining high-performance footwear using the technology, it's now producing 3D-printed face shields to help with the Covid-19 crisis.

The shields will support American healthcare organisations, first responders and “underserved communities that have the greatest need and don't have access to adequate supplies,” it said.

The German sports giant said this week that it’s using the same material co-created for its 4D midsoles, a “highly elastic, tear-resistant material called Elastomeric Polyurethane”. It’s being applied to the creation of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be sanitised and reused, “with the hopes of eliminating waste during a time of scarcity”.

It also claims the material “provides a more comfortable alternative to support those in the front lines as they work long hours, continuing to risk their lives to save others”.

The group said that with its support and the quick production turnaround that 3D printing enables, “Carbon has been able to scale production from 18,000 face shields a week to upwards of 50,000”.

And in order to boost that still further, Carbon is also sharing print files with its entire global network “so anyone with access to a Carbon printer and material will be able to create face shields to address needs in their local areas”.

Organisations that need face shields can submit a request at www.carbon3d.com/covid19 or by email to [email protected].