Sheffield Forgemasters joins industry in 3D printing NHS visor components

21st April 2020

Steel casting and forging specialist, Sheffield Forgemasters, has devoted its 3D printing facility to help protect vulnerable frontline NHS workers and assist in the UK’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sheffield Forgemasters’ Research, Design and Technology (RD&T) department has started to produce 3D printed components for protective visors used by NHS staff, in response to a request from 3D print solutions provider, Solid Print3D.

The initiative coincides with Dan Jarvis, the mayor of the Sheffield city region, issuing call to arms for South Yorkshire businesses to join the national effort and help make life-saving medical equipment during the pandemic.

RD&T uses its 3D printing output to produce models and prototypes for ultra-large, complex steel components, but with the ability to 3D print the visor components, the business is more than happy to play its part in assisting the fight against the pandemic.

David Bond, chief executive officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We don’t have large scale facilities for 3D printing, but it is important for us to do what we can at this desperate time for our NHS workers and each visor that is constructed could potentially save a person’s life.

“We normally use our 3D print output to establish what we can achieve in large-scale engineering terms and so it is very much utilised on a bespoke basis rather than for production runs, but we are up for the challenge and really want to help out.

Sheffield Forgemasters would like to encourage any other companies that have a 3D printing capability to respond to the request. The request, best designs and guidance, can be found on the Solid Print3D website:

https://www.solidprint3d.co.uk/corona-virus-groups-that-are-3d-printing-facemasks

David added: “We welcome the call to arms by the Sheffield City Region Mayor for South Yorkshire businesses to join the NHS supply drive at this difficult time and hope that more companies will come forward to offer whatever help they can.”

Component setup and optimisation has been completed and Sheffield Forgemasters plans to despatch 100 of the crucial components within seven days.

Photo Captions: The first 3D printed visor components going through optimisation/Sheffield Forgemasters

You might also be interested in

Is your Business Future Ready?

Fri 14th February 2025

The business landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead requires insight, agility, and future-ready strategies. Is your Business ready?

Progressive Safety Celebrate 65 Years in Business

Fri 14th February 2025

As Progressive Safety steps into its 65th year of operation, the company reflects on an incredible journey that has transformed it from a local supplier to a trusted name in safety equipment across the globe.

CatVideoFest Returns to Sheffield this World Cat Day

Thu 13th February 2025

Following a successful debut last year, CatVideoFest returns to Sheffield – this time at the Odeon Luxe Sheffield on World Cat Day (February 17).

Introducing OALO Security

Wed 12th February 2025

As a Sheffield-based company, we are committed to supporting the local business community by providing cyber security solutions to safeguard organisations against digital threats.