Mansfield worker uses personal 3D printer to produce protective equipment for frontline staff

Dan Clover, who has worked in the council's Design Services team as Quantity Surveyor for nearly five years, is hoping his home-made equipment will be able to help frontline workers, such as care home staff and pharmacists, as well as council housing and housing repairs colleagues, who may have contact with people suffering from Covid-19.Some of the visors have already been delivered to nurses at King's Mill Hospital, with another 200 on order for various organisations.The 34-year-old, from Mansfield Woodhouse, said: "I hope they will help those people on the frontline who are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk."Everyone at the council and in the community is doing their bit during this difficult time and I’m just glad I can contribute, not only with my day-to-day job with the council, but also as a resident of Mansfield, by providing these pieces of equipment." Dan said: "I saw that people from other countries affected by the virus were printing various types of door opening devices so I reviewed all of the designs and, using my knowledge of design and of drawing software, I came up with my own models and started printing.

For the visors, Dan got in touch with staff at Vision West Notts College and teachers at Samworth Academy in Mansfield who have been using the college's and school’s 3D printers to make visors, too. The staff at Samworth have now shared their designs with Dan with a view to simplifying the design to reduce the 1.5 hours it takes to print them.

They cost about 70p to £1 each to make using 3D printer filament bought online. Dan is funding this himself but is hoping to get help with donations from the council and council staff.If you require visors or door openers, please contact Dan via the Mansfield, Nottinghamshire Coronavirus (Covid-19) Mutual Aid Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/599614573923370/.