Have your community activities changed during the last several months?

Please summarize your efforts

When the crisis began, our kitchens are transformed into 3d printer workshops to print face shields for local medical NHS staff. Our team has distributed 1800 shields and over 300 ear protectors free of charge. We sent the PPE to nursing homes, shops, schools, and 3 local hospitals (Altnagalvin Hospital, Causeway hospital, and North West independent hospital).

Our efforts also included one special visor for a young girl with a rare skin condition called hydro vaccinformis, in which her skin breaks out in blisters when in contact with UV light.

What are the current needs of your community?

What are the current needs for your chapter and activities?

With the essential reopening of schools in August/September under social distancing guidelines, we plan to support the return to education for our children with face shields for schools and colleges to enable better 'social bubbling' within the classroom.

We will be opening a maker space business to meet our local needs, concentrating on educating the next generation of engineers, offering a 3d printing consultancy, and providing a 3D printing Service (including Industrial 3D Scanning, and selling 3d printers and materials. It is the first of its kind in the region.

Have you received promotional filament to support your efforts?

How have you used these materials?

Local schools donated rolls of PLA filament and local businesses donated over 1000 acetate sheets for 3D printing visors.

Have you partnered with any other chapters, groups, or organizations?

What advice can you offer for others working to contribute to their community needs?

3D printing has grown from a hobby to a company and chapter over the last 18 months. We are gradually building engagement in N.Ireland. We hope to create a pathway for young engineers by making them aware of this technology at an early age. Our team has learned from industrial experiences in the field by implementing 3D printing into Seagate Technology based at Springtown, Derry, N.Ireland, so we are well aware of its potential, as well as the current needs.