Suffolk library system uses '3D printer farm' to produce parts for medical gear

The collection of 70 printers enables the staff to produce 200 headbands for hospital face shields a day.

News 12 Staff

Apr 2, 2020, 10:39 AM

Updated 1,484 days ago

Share:

Some Suffolk libraries are using their 3D printers to help make protective gear for medical workers.
Libraries across the county are closed due to the pandemic, but are still serving their communities. The Suffolk Cooperative Library System has pulled together about 70 3D printers into one auditorium at its Bellport headquarters.
They call it a 3D printing farm, and it's churning out plastic parts for face shields to protect medical workers.
"We are producing this piece, right here is the head band for the PPE face shield that was developed and designed by David Ecker at Stony Brook University," says Roger Reyes.
The shields are then finished by Stony Brook's iCREATE program. Reyes says the printing farm is churning out 200 masks per day.
Reyes adds that some libraries didn't have printers, but offered to purchase one to help the process. Staff at the Bellport facility works in small groups, and in a variety of shifts to maintain social distancing.
The group says it will keep up production as long as they're needed.


More from News 12
1:53
Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:56
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault