DIY Face Shields for Fragging

It was the beginning of the pandemic, about March 2020, and, like everyone, I was stuck at home wishing there was some way I could help. My 3D printer was sitting idle, and personal protective equipment (PPE) was in short supply. The moment I came across the National Institute of Health’s Trusted Repository (reviewed for clinical use) of 3D printable PPE, I fired up my printer. Off came face shield after face shield, shipped out to fire fighters and medical professionals in multiple states. But, as PPE supplies came back in supply, my printer slowed down. One day, I had a failed print, and it was bad enough to not ship out. But that was when it hit me – these were the perfect DIY face shields for fragging corals!

Supplies List:

This is a list of what I used to build my DIY face shields for fragging. Note that prices are not included, as this project is not very cost-effective for one face shield. This is likely best done as a club effort or other group project. I’ve included links to the products and 3D print files (please note, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.)

3D printing filament, suitable for the printer available (e.g., 1.75mm PLA)
10mil Report Covers
Button Elastic

3D Printing the Face Shield:

My 3D printer is a Creality Ender 3 Pro, and it has been quite the workhorse. A DIY filament dry box is below, holding all of my filament (or at least that’s all there was at the time!)

I selected the face shield, “DtM-v4.0 Face Shield PPE,” submitted by tprestero. This design was so robust that there was little durability difference noticed between using PLA filament versus PETG. In fact, even after PPE supplies returned to somewhat normal, I had first responders requesting more of these, as these were better than the commercially available face shields. And we just need these for fragging corals!

As for the print/slicing parameters, I used everything as recommended in the file with no issues.

Assembling the Face Shield:

Assembly is incredibly simple. Use a three-hole punch on the binder covers along the 11″ edge. Slip (ok, it’s more like “wrangle”) the binder cover holes over the face shield holes. I found it easiest to start in the center. For comfort, round out the corners of the bottom of the report cover.

Next, slip the button elastic on one end (button elastic not pictured here due to supply issues at fabrication time). Place the shield on your head, and wrap the elastic around the back of your head. Without pulling the elastic, mark where the elastic meets the shield, and then cut the elastic. Place the button elastic onto the face shield nub. Voila! Congrats on your DIY face shield for fragging corals!

Although this is an amazing face shield, I still recommend wearing safety glasses to further protect your eyes.

Then, combine this 3D printed face shield for fragging with the Magnetic Stirrer Coral Dip Station, and you’re all set for a fun (and safe) day of reefkeeping!