Central Library’s 4th Floor - a 3D Face Mask Factory

HAMILTON, ON – May 1, 2020 – Six community-minded organizations are making much-needed protective face shields for local health workers.

Hamilton Public Library, the City of Hamilton, Innovation Factory, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board and shop3D.ca are sourcing and printing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The finished face shields are distributed to local health organizations that most need PPE.

There are currently 30, 3D printers running 24/7 at Central Library, and more printers will be revving up soon. (Seven printers are from HPL's Makerspaces, one is from the City's Planning Department and 22 are on loan from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.) The Catholic School Board is printing at their location and delivering their product to Central. shop3D.ca is providing the pattern, as well as laser-cutting plastic shields for the face masks.

"Our community’s health is everyone’s responsibility. This collaboration is part of a massive citywide effort to ensure our health workers and patients are protected," said Hamilton Public Library's Chief Librarian Paul Takala. "We're working to support the important work these Hamiltonians do all day, everyday. We are in this together."

“I applaud the collaboration and innovation of this group, this is a great example of how community partners can quickly come together and mobilize to help fill a need in the community,” said Paul Johnson, Director of the City of Hamilton’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). “Maintaining a healthy supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical to our ongoing response to the COVID-19 emergency and to keeping our front-line workers safe.”

As of May 1, there are 377 full masks printed, assembled and delivered. Hamilton Wentworth Catholic School Board teachers and the Library’s digital technology team are also printing surgical mask 'ear savers' which are packaged with the face shield components. Print times depend on the printer model, however each mask takes approximately 1.5 hours to print.

PPE recipients include frontline healthcare workers and social workers who support Hamilton’s shelters. Organization and makers interested in printing PPE can download the pattern and reach out to shop3D.ca.

About Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, Hamiltonians will discover something new at our 22 locations, two bookmobiles, or through our extensive digital collections. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary.

About City of Hamilton
Hamilton is the fifth-largest municipality in Ontario and the tenth-largest municipality in Canada. As a global city, Hamilton boasts a renowned education and health sector as well as a thriving arts scene. Industries in Hamilton include manufacturing, bioscience and medical, and agriculture. The City of Hamilton’s vision is to be the best place to raise a child and age successfully. The City’s mission is to provide high quality cost conscious public services that contribute to a healthy, safe and prosperous community, in a sustainable manner. www.hamilton.ca.

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