Yavapai College producing masks for medical workers

The School of Career and Technical Education (CTEC) at Yavapai College (YC) is joining in the effort to fabricate face shields for frontline healthcare workers.

According to YC’s Dean of CTEC John Morgan, they reprogrammed the College’s 3D printers to create Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

“We have printed 220 face shields for PPE now, and yesterday, the big printer was finally set up in the new lab,” Morgan said. “Before, we were printing our PPE one at a time in each of our Maker Bots. This big printer is a game changer.”

The college’s industrial sized 3D printer produces 49 units of plastic frames overnight.

CTEC Professor of Aerospace Science Matt Mintzmyer came up with the idea to re-engineer the 3D Maker Bots to make PPE instead of drone parts two weeks ago.

“”We have all this capability, why not try to help?” Mintzmyer said.

According to Yavapai College Foundation Executive Director Paul Kirchgraber, the Yavapai College Foundation purchased bulk orders of .05 millimeter clear plexiglass for the shields and 5/8 inch elastic for the headbands.

“So far, we’ve acquired shields and elastic for 400 pieces,” Kirchgraber said.

Kirchgraber explained that the work is important because they are producing it for Yavapai County Emergency Management, the umbrella organization that oversees Yavapai County’s coronavirus response.

“They will direct the distribution of the shields to first responders and wherever the equipment is most needed,” Kirchgraber added that Yavapai County Emergency Management officials have been requesting 40 face shields a day.

CTEC plans to produce nasal swabs for testing centers once face shield production begins to meet the demand.

Anyone with leads on clear plastic sheathing or headband material is encouraged to contact CTEC at (928) 717-7375 or (928) 910-9099.

Jesse Bertel is a reporter/videographer for the Prescott News Network. Follow him on social media @JesseBertel Email him at jbertel@prescottaz.com, or call 928-445-3333, ext. 2043.