Robotics And Beyond is using its equipment, supplies and networks to supply hospitals with face masks, shields and other materials needed to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. We are supporting regional Makerspaces which have set up supply, fabrication and delivery chains serving Danbury, New Milford, Waterbury and other hospitals in the region including Yale New Haven. Just two of these Maker networks have already supplied several thousand full face shields and face masks.
We, along with our student and parent network, can produce critical parts of full face shields and even sew face masks. Our students and instructors are already producing 3D printed face shield parts. You can also help.
Take new, unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to your nearest hospital lobby Valet entrance or a nearby EMT/ambulance station. Unopened packages are required. Examples – N95 face masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes and sprays, bleach and peroxide sprays and wipes. Please scroll to the bottom to see other local drop off locations.
Contact Robotics And Beyond at covid@roboticsandbeyond.org or the Maker community nearest you and let them know what you can provide (see below for specifics on making face masks and shields). Two locations in CT are:
Donate! Danbury Hackerspace, MakeHaven and Robotics And Beyond are all non-profits and can accept tax-deductible donations to help pay for materials and equipment maintenance and transportation costs for materials. See websites above for donation buttons. Thousands of dollars have already been spent for raw materials and other supplies. Many thousands of 24/7 volunteer hours are being gladly given by 100s of committed, passionate individuals.
Read about ways other groups are reaching out during this crisis:
What is needed for making face masks and shields
3D printed face shield parts: contact covid@roboticsandbeyond.org to let us know what your print capabilities are and to receive the print files.
Sewn masks: details at MakeHaven
3D print filament, any color, PETG, PLA, ABS: If you have extra let us know at covid@roboticsandbeyond.org and we will let you know if it is needed and how to donate it.
Elastic strapping for face masks and shields: 1/4 inch flat, 1/2 in., 3/4 in. any color
PETG (also known as PETE) plastic sheets needed for face shields, 0.020 or 0.040 in. thick. This is the clear, stiff but bendable sheet like used for school report covers. Needed: 48 x 96 in. (4ft. x 8 ft.) about $50/sheet, out of stock online and in most stores but some local companies may have some sheets in stock.
How to package supplies or materials: (not relevant to 3D print filament) Wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water to kill any possible bacteria or virus. Store cleaned items in fresh food plastic wrap or unused zip lock storage bags. Use original sealed packaging if possible for other materials. Label the package as Washed or Not Washed.
Put the wrapped items into paper bags or cardboard boxes or new plastic bags for dropoff.
Drop off of materials or printed parts
- New Milford: Write to covid@roboticsandbeyond.org to arrange a hand-off
- Brookfield: 271 Wisconier Rd. On the deck at right side of Brookfield Craft Center (BCC) Wood Turning Studio, across the road from the BCC Gallery. Write to covid@roboticsandbeyond.org to let us know of your drop-off.
- Bethel: Molten Java coffee shop
- Danbury: Rumors coffee shop, Mill Plain Rd
- New Haven: Contact info@makehaven.org
