UTPB Is Using 3D Printers To Create Face Shields For Medical Staff

ODESSA, TX – The University of Texas Permian-Basin is joining the list of universities that are working together to provide local healthcare workers the personal protection equipment they desperately need.

“We have to do what we can to help our healthcare workers protect themselves and save lives,” said George Nnanna, UT Permian Basin Dean of the College of Engineering.

According to CBS7, UTPB is a part of the West Texas 3D COVID-19 Relief Consortium. 

The university along with Texas Tech University, Odessa College, the UTPB Art Department, The Ellen Noel Art Museum, Midland College, Museum of the Southwest, and other West Texas businesses are donating 3D printers or helping design and produce shields and splitters that are needed for ventilators.

“We recently engineered a splitter for a ventilator at Ward County Hospital. The splitter will allow medical staff to provide air to four patients at one time instead of just one. If we have the technology to help, we’ll do it,” said Nnanna.

The Consortium has enough material to make 350 face shields and have made and distributed 30 so far.