Press release submitted by TPE Solutions, Inc.
PETG Used To Manufacture Face Shields for Local Hospitals
Expert supplier of custom TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), TPE Solutions, Inc. (www.tpesinc.com) has joined with The Boys & Girls Club of Leominster & Fitchburg MA (www.bgcfl.org) to supply face shields to local hospitals and health care providers. TPE Solutions, Inc.’s President, Jonas Angus, currently serves as a board member of the local Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg & Leominster, MA, so at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic he contacted the Executive Director at the club, Donata Martin, and posed a challenge to the kids to research and design a production line to make face shields and TPE Solutions, Inc. pledged to fully fund the venture. The challenge went to the Club’s Robotics Team and T-Shirt business (BGC Print Inc), which are both already supported by TPE Solutions, Inc. At the same time calls for help were coming from the local UMass Memorial Hospital for shortage of face shields.
Within a few weeks the club developed a prototype face shield manufactured using a 3-D printer. The prototype was tried by a local doctor and the feedback was positive so plans were immediately made for TPE Solutions, Inc. to fund the purchase of two new 3-D printers.
Design of the face shield was based on PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified), selected for its light weight, scratch resistance, superior optics/clarity and lower cost. TPE Solutions, Inc. purchased a significant amount of PETG sheets from Primex Design and Fabrication, set up shop in its warehouse to cut the sheets to the proper 9 ½” x 12” dimensions, and donated the sheets to the Boys & Girls Club which were then used to create 600 pieces and kick off production.
The Club is now in full production making face shields and donating them to UMass Memorial Hospital and other area hospitals and medical facilities that desperately need PPE. The face shields are also available for sale at $15 /unit to the general public.
The Boys & Girls Club is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the country’s largest youth development organization and the fastest growing youth agency in the world. The Clubs’ unique approach comprised of a focus on kids, tested programs, professionally trained staff, and choosing to be open daily and over vacations, continues to draw members in and give them the skills needed to build a great future.
TPE Solutions, Inc. specializes in both off-the shelf and custom TPE Products. They offer a wide range of products depending on the Shore Durometer required by the application, including grades from its popular NexPrene® line. Founded by Jonas Angus, a TPE veteran for over 30 years, TPE Solutions Inc. can help with all TPE requirements irrespective of the application or end use.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jonas Angus at 978-425-3033 or jonas.angus@tpesinc.com