Public libraries across the country are lending their 3D printers to make face shields for frontline staff in the fight against Covid-19.
One Kilkenny-based company says it now has the capacity to produce 600 visors a week. Like many tech firms around the world, SurfBox is coming up with innovative ways to help meet the demand for personal protective equipment - a shortage of which is leaving frontline healthcare workers putting themselves at risk.
The face shields produced by SurfBox consist of a reusable plastic headpiece and a disposable PVC screen. Managing Director Thomas Marry said the company got involved in the project because its core business - providing self-service printing to libraries - ceased when libraries closed.