SUNY Canton Professor Joins Effort to Make Medical Face Shields, Opens Free 3D Printing Course
SUNY Canton Professor Matthew J. Burnett of Saranac Lake has been making face shield components to help medical staff in the battle against COVID-19.
Like many 3D printing enthusiasts, Burnett heard about the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at regional hospitals and immediately set machines up to produce components day and night. He has individually made more than 50 pieces since March 21.
SUNY Canton Professor Matthew J. Burnett holds a piece of a face shield he printed in his Saranac Lake studio. Burnett has printed about 50 components for medical staff at regional hospitals.
“As hospitals in New York State are facing shortages of essential equipment for this crisis, makers across the state have been connecting and asking how best they can help,” Burnett said. “We were on this from day one, and 3D printing is really a global movement.”
Burnett is working closely with the Northern New York 3D Printing Network, which includes makers from Northwoods School, Saranac Lake High School and Lake Placid High School. He and his colleagues knew about critical shortages of PPE and saw themselves poised to help. In addition to his personal interest, the college has received calls to action to contribute printing services from the State University of New York and New York State Senator Patty Ritchie’s Office.
Pictured are some of the 3D printed components for medical face shields made by SUNY Canton Graphic and Multimedia Design Professor Matthew J. Burnett.
The Graphic and Multimedia Design Professor is also offering free instruction for those who are interested in 3D modeling and printing. “Having an actual 3D printer is optional,” Burnett said. “The first few lessons will focus on modeling only. Later lessons will discuss the printing portions of the process.”
The course will be offered weekly from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays through Zoom and Blackboard. For more information, please email burnettm@canton.edu.
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