Blackman & White is using its expertise in cutting systems to design and make vital PPE equipment for healthcare workers.
The Essex-based manufacturer tasked its CAD engineers to create a visor that is made from polycarbonate or acetate to make the most of its in-house machine capabilities.
The firm is also looking to utilise spare capacity in its demo room in Maldon, where its Orion and Genesis V machines are able to produce 300 units every day.
‘We have all seen the terrible stories of our heroic doctors, nurses and care workers fighting the Covid-19 virus without the right PPE,’ said director Eiko White. ‘It’s heartbreaking and we wanted to try to do what we can to help in some small way. Our team looked at the machines available to us and which products we could design and manufacture from scratch, starting with a visor but with the possibility to follow-up with other much-needed PPE.’
The company is now appealing for other businesses to support its efforts by helping to source material that is currently hard to find or not of the right quality, assistance with product specifications and identifying healthcare facilities in need of this vital safety equipment.
Ms White concluded, ‘We can easily make 300 unites per day, but we are struggling to source the right quality material – this is where we need help. 1mm polycarbonate or 1mm acetate are the big stumbling blocks.
‘Our customers, who have been quick to come forward and offer their assistance, have been making do with alternatives, but supplies are drying up and, inherently, the costs are climbing. If we can get access to the right material, we can hopefully do our bit to protect NHS and care workers on the frontline.’
