TinkRworks' Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 20, 2020
HINSDALE, IL – The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how critical it is to embrace humanity and care for others, especially those battling the virus on the frontlines. At TinkRworks we’ve been driven by what’s right. By transforming our makerspace to shift to production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for local first responders and medical organizations, we have joined a growing list of companies contributing to the greater good.
We developed local collaborations with S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield, IL and Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL to create a production line of 17 3D printers and three laser cutters to produce 50-60 face shields a day. In the first ten days of production, our combined efforts produced several hundred face shields, which have already been donated to first responders at the Aurora Fire Department, Brookfield Police Department, and Edward Hospital among many other organizations.
TinkRworks invites the development of additional collaborations to increase the level of impact and reach. Companies, organizations, and individuals can reach out to us for advice and guidance on how best to produce these face shields, utilizing toolsets they have available. Please click the button below to submit your information.
TinkRworks has established a goal of producing an additional 1,000 face shields in the next three weeks. It’s a monumental effort, both in production time and costs. Our first batch of 300 PPE’s helped us understand the process and costs required to produce a face shield, which is about $10 – $12 per shield. Costs include materials (i.e. 3D-printer filament, clear transparency film, elastic bands packing supplies) and labor (i.e. Resources to run and maintain the 3D printers and laser cutters). Production costs for 1,000 face shields will run between $10,000 – $12,000.
We know that we do not stand alone in our efforts to protect our first responders and health care workers, as we have been inundated with offers of support and contributions from many generous individuals and organizations. This support has helped protect and save lives. If you would like to contribute a monetary donation to our goal of producing 1,000 PPE’s in next three weeks, click the button below.
We strive to bring a message of hope and support during these unique and uncertain times. We are grateful to those who have helped and continue to help us on this journey of good will.
