Universal Orlando Has Begun Producing 3D-Printed Face Shields For Healthcare Workers

Hi, AllEars readers! If you would like to read more information regarding the temporary closures at the Disney Parks, please click here for a list of closures at the Disney Parks, or click here for some of our most FAQs. From all of us at AllEars, our thoughts are with those affected. While the Disney Parks are closed, we will continue to write articles and bring you AllEars TV videos to enjoy and for our readers to use once the parks reopen.

As the current global situation continues, we’ve seen more and more businesses providing supplies to help people stay safe during this difficult time.

Companies like Disney and HARVEYS have stepped up to provide medical supplies like rain ponchos and masks, but now Universal Orlando begun supplying in-house crafted face shields to those on the front lines.

As of right now, Universal Orlando has donated more than 1,300 face shields to healthcare professionals and hospitals. The face shields are 3D-printed using materials that normally make everything from model prototypes to Volcano Bay’s Tapu Tapu wristbands.

3D-printed face shields ready to be assembled ©Universal

The idea reportedly came from Jessica Harned, Supervisor of Advanced Resort Technology in the Parks Technology Department for Universal Orlando. “I was seeing a couple things around the makerspace of people helping out and I just thought ‘I could do that,’” Jessica explains. “‘I’m home and I have a printer and I can maybe grab two more from the office, and try to print some of these masks.’”

3D printers like these can print out 40 headbands a day ©Universal

Once the masks are printed, they are delivered to healthcare facilities like AdventHealth Nicholson Center. Scott Bond, Senior Director for the innovation lab, said, “I think all of us are feeling how personally rewarding it is to be a part of this initiative, but then to see the community that we live in and the response so many have had to step up in a time of need.”