Curtin Malaysia students in drive to mass-produce face shields using 3D printing technology

Miri – 6 April 2020 – A number of engineering students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) are banding with others in Sarawak to mass-produce 3D printed face shields to distribute to frontliners at local hospitals which are running low on face shields and other critical PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

The students comprise project coordinator Leong Yuh Chyi, Tee Yi Kiat, Kee Lek Yang, Koh Say Kit and Gan Ting Yu. Also joining them in the effort are Curtin Malaysia engineering graduate David Ha Heng Lee and volunteers from the All Aboard Young Leaders Centre (AAYLC) and Pustaka Miri.

Kee, Koh and Gan are members of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, while Leong and Ha are co-founders of a local tech startup called 3DX.

Production of the face shields in Miri began on 26 March 2020 and so far, over 600 have been donated to the Miri General Hospital. According to Leong, the group’s target is to produce 1,000 face shields for hospitals in Miri Division and another 4,000 for other hospitals in Sarawak.

Leong said the Miri group’s initiative is part of a wider movement of like-minded students, professionals and ‘tech makers’, as well small business enterprises and voluntary organisations in Sarawak known as the ‘Sarawak COVID-19 3D Printing Union’ who are collaborating with the Sarawak Multimedia Agency (SMA) and medical professionals to produce improvised versions of the much-needed PPE.

“We have always endeavoured to use engineering and technology to help the community through various projects. With the coronavirus pandemic and local hospitals facing problems getting supplies of face shields, we saw the opportunity to use readily available 3D printers and laser cutters at our university and in the local community to produce 3D printed face shields for the hospitals,” said Leong.

Curtin Malaysia has volunteered the 3D printers at its Digital Maker Space for use by the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch and the Sarawak COVID-19 3D Printing Union. In total, the group in Miri has use of ten 3D printers.

Curtin Malaysia’s Digital Maker Space, established in 2017 in collaboration with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDeC), is a collaborative learning hub equipped with digital-making tools such as 3D printing machines, electronic gadgets, programming kits and measuring instruments to encourage and facilitate innovative tech-driven projects by students, academics, industry players and entrepreneurial communities.

The students and volunteers contributed their own funds and materials towards the production of the face shields. According to Ha, materials used include 3D filaments made from PLA (Polylactic Acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), A4 transparent sheets, foam padding, glue, tape and elastic rubber. He calls on industry players and those in the community with 3D printers, laser cutters or similar equipment to support and participate in the initiative. Suppliers of relevant materials can also contribute.

Kee, who is the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch’s Head of Community Outreach, said it is really unfortunate that Malaysia is going through such a challenging time but, like Leong, he is determined to collaborate with others across Sarawak to utilise creativity and technology as powerful tools for a community-driven solution.

“Although our efforts might seem small, there is satisfaction knowing that we are contributing to the fight against COVID-19. We are not alone in contributing as there are countless others throughout Malaysia doing the same. It is amazing to see people of different races and backgrounds working together to support the frontliners and the community,” said Kee.

Meanwhile, Koh, who is the student branch’s Head of Technical Team, remarked that it is an honour for him to be able to put the knowledge he has acquired as an engineering student to good use.

“We happened to train on the latest technologies such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and Internet of Things during our IEEE Technical Bootcamp last year and one of the key learning was 3D printing which is now proving very useful to us,” said Koh.

In complimenting the students on their gallant initiative, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Garenth Lim King Hann, who is the academic advisor to the student branch, said they epitomised the worldwide IEEE’s commitment to prioritising the use of advanced technology to help humanity.

“As IEEE members, they are trained to serve the community using the engineering and technology knowledge they have acquired. We are very proud of their efforts and indeed that of the entire Sarawak COVID-19 3D Printing Union to safeguard Sarawak,” said Lim.

Miri representative of Sarawak COVID-19 3D Printing Union delivering 3D printed face shields to Miri General Hospital.

3D printed face shields that were delivered to Miri Hospital.

A health worker in Marudi with face shields donated by the Miri group.

Members of the Sarawak COVID-19 3D Printing Union from throughout the state in a photo collage.