DC’s 3DP Task Force brings PPE project to a successful end

In what was truly the little community project that could, the Durham College (DC)-led 3DP Task Force wrapped up its production of 3D-printed PPE parts for frontline workers in June.

The 3DP Task force launched on March 26 when Chris Daniel, a professor with the college’ School of Science & Engineering Technology, galvanized a group of students, employees, alumni and community members to use 3D printers to create headbands for face shields used by the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working out of their garages and basements, the task force members embarked on an inspiring journey that saw the team grow to an impressive 62 volunteer members using 83 3D printers and raising nearly $16,000 in funds to support the initiative. Members produced face shield headbands as well as ear savers that relieve the pressure of elastic bands used to hold face masks in place.

Industry is now more fully online to manufacture PPE, allowing the 3DP Task Force to wind down its operations and celebrate the positive impact its members have made on communities across Durham Region and beyond.

Highlights of the 3DP Task Force’s work include:

  • 32, 700 ear savers produced and distributed to the following organizations
    • Kerry’s Place Autism Services
    • Lakeridge Health
    • Peterborough Regional Health Centre
    • Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre)
    • Unity Health, Toronto (Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital)
    • Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
    • Scarborough Health Network, Toronto
    • Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham
    • Southlake Regional Hospital, Newmarket
  • 6,350 face shield headbands produced and distributed in collaboration with Northumberland I.O. to the following organizations:
    • Northumberland Hills Hospital
    • Campbellford Memorial Hospital
    • Extendicare, Port Hope
    • Colborne/Cramahe Food Bank
    • Community Living, Campbellford/Brighton
    • Christian Horizons, Cobourg
    • Canadian Mental Health Association, Durham
    • CAD Microsystems
    • SickKids Hospital, Pediatric Respiratory Therapy Unit
    • InkSmith
    • Rosalie Hall, Scarborough
    • Kerry’s Place Autism Services
    • Dorset Dental, Scarborough
    • Thornhill Medical Centre
    • Moss Medical Office, Toronto
    • Kahane Medical Office, North York
    • 26 community medical offices in Thornhill, North York, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Markham, Unionville and Scarborough

DC wishes to recognize and thank everyone involved in the 3DP Task Force, which has provided a terrific case study for how our employees, students and alumni can collaborate and mobilize to create tangible solutions for real problems facing our communities.