Disinfection of 3D-printed protective face shield during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study assessed the disinfection using 70% ethanol; H₂O₂-quaternary ammonium salt mixture; 0.1% sodium hypochlorite and autoclaving of four 3D-printed face shields with different designs, visor materials; and visor thickness (0.5-0.75 mm). We also investigated their clinical suitability by applying a questionnaire to health workers (HW) who used them. Each type of disinfection was done 40 times on each type of mask without physical damage. In contrast, autoclaving led to appreciable damage.

Keywords: 3D printer face shield; Autoclaving.

Fig 1

(A) Face shields of different materials cleaned 40 times with ethanol 70% (1), H₂O₂-quaternary ammonium salt mixture (2), H₂O (3) or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (4). Polyethylene glycol sheets of 0.5 mm (I), or 0.75 mm (II), polycarbonate sheet of 0.75 mm (III) and design of glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) of 0.5 mm (IV). (B) Headbands of different materials and thickness were tested for chemical substances and sterilized in autoclave, (I) Tritan HT of 0.3 mm (II) of 0.15 mm (III) of 0.6 mm (smooth model) (IV) of 0,6 mm (rolled model) (V) PLA easyfill (VI) ASA WP (VII) ABS PT and (VIII) PETG XT.