Estes Valley works

Library 3D printers pitching in for face shields and more

By Allison Cavis, IT

Specialist, Estes Valley Library

For the Trail-Gazette

In March, we saw the headlines, Like you, we wondered what we could do.

Healthcare facilities projected they would not have necessary equipment amid the coronavirus surge. Even towns with very few COVID-19 cases nonetheless faced scarcities in their supply chains. This was a real problem that called out for a creative solution.

Many of you reached out to ask, “Could the Library’s 3D printers help create urgentlyneeded healthcare equipment?” After some research and careful testing, the answer was, “Yes!” And it couldn’t have happened without some innovative collaboration among regional partners.

A bit of background: the Library’s second-floor Makerspace is home to two 3D printers. The space was inspired by you—the many patrons who consistently said they wanted opportunities to learn and share using tools and technology. Not only 3D printing—the Makerspace has sewing machines to repair clothes, tools to fix lamps, materials for arts and crafts—and best of all, it is a place for shared learning.

Before our community’s 3D printers could be put into action to make medical supplies, there were big questions to answer: How would we know what to make? How could we be sure our designs met the requirements? Who would get these supplies to the right medical staff?

Fortunately, those questions were answered by joining forces first with the Northern Colorado Face Shield Project and later Make4COVID.co. With

their invaluable coordination,, the Library—and hundreds of others—are guided in what to make, how to make it, and what to do next.

First, our bigger 3D printer went into action: the Lulzbot TAZ6 is creating frames for protective face shields at a rate of one every 2.5 hours. As of this article, 52 frames have been delivered.

From there, the frames are sanitized using industry standards, then assembled with other components into complete face shields. The Northern Colorado Face Shield project, and now Make4COVID, are delivering these shields to local and regional facilities who continue to request them weekly.

What about our other 3D printer? Our little guy, the Lulzbot Mini, was feeling restless until it too received an assignment. Coordinating with the statewide Make4Covid team, the Mini is making face-mask buckles (a.k.a. “ear savers”), which make wearing masks for long shifts more comfortable for healthcare workers.

Wondering how you can help? We recommend contacting Make4COVID to find out more. They have excellent advice on materials required, what help is most needed, and how to donate supplies. Visit make4covid.co for fuller details. Physical health — and happiness too

What’s ahead? While our 3D printers continue contributing essential components to protective equipment, the Library and its partners are planning programs to help us all mentally navigate these unique times. One example in the works: we’re partnering with author Dayle Spencer to deliver her powerful ‘coping with loss’ workshop series soon through a virtual webinar series.

Stay tuned for more details. Together, we’ll continue staying safe, looking out for one another, and sharing kindness and culture in ways that connect and sustain us. Estes Valley Library / Courtesy photo The Library’s second-floor Makerspace is home to two 3D printers.

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