A TEAM of 3D printing enthusiasts are producing and distributing protective visors to Dorset healthcare workers.

Two Weymouth-based business owners, Tom Fearon of Window Tinting UK and Kerry O'Brien of 4K Valeting, are heading a team to help provide NHS workers with the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) they are lacking.

The priority is to distribute masks to medical staff in Dorset, Devon and Somerset, with an overarching aim of eventually building a country-wide team.

Mr. Fearon explained how the idea came about: “I have a friend in the USA whose cousin unfortunately died from coronavirus.

“When he was in hospital visiting his cousin, he asked the staff if there was anything he could do to help and they told him they needed PPE.

“He realised the rolls of film we use can be adapted and used for visors.

“I looked into it and realised there was a real demand for it in the UK also.

“I put a message on a Facebook group for 3D printing hobbyists and sent the patterns and instructions to people all over country who wanted to help.”

The team of volunteers use Tom’s pattern to 3D print a frame, which when attached to the security film used by Mr. Fearon’s window tinting company, creates a visor.

The visors are also reusable, medical workers are able to remove them, sterilise and wipe them down for reuse.

Visors have already been donated to two Dorset based GPs since production started last week.

Mr. Fearon continued: “I have rolls of film that aren’t being used, it’s keeping me busy so I don’t go insane and I’m able to give something back to the community.

“The film we have has a lifespan and if it just sits there it’s going to go off anyway.

“The rolls of film are a bit expensive but when you break it down it is a small expense it if it helps someone.

“We’ll do as much as we can, when we can.

“As long as we all pull together, we’ll come out of this all the better for it.”

To get involved, please contact Tom directly via the website www.window-tinting.co.uk