Fab Lab Joinville

Face Shields

During the COVID-19 pandemic, amid a shortage of face shields on the market, Fab Lab Joinville mobilized the community to produce them for healthcare workers. These devices provide an additional protective barrier and helped meet an urgent demand from hospitals.

Face shield ready for distribution, with instructions for use and cleaning
Figure 1: Face shield ready for distribution, with instructions for use and cleaning

Each face shield consisted of three parts: a 3D-printed frame that supports the visor; an acetate visor, donated by Plastibras, which creates the transparent protective barrier; and an elastic band, donated by the Romãs group, which keeps the equipment secured to the head.

To make large-scale production possible, the lab operated several 3D printers and partnered with local companies.

3D printers producing face shield frames
Figure 2: 3D printers producing face shield frames

After printing, volunteers assembled the frames, attached the visors, and prepared the equipment for delivery.

Volunteers assemble face shields at Fab Lab Joinville
Figure 3: Volunteers assemble face shields at Fab Lab Joinville

Production and donations

With support from volunteers and material donations, Fab Lab Joinville produced and donated 1,400 face shields to the city’s public health system and private healthcare institutions.

The equipment was packaged and identified before distribution.

Labeled boxes of face shields ready for delivery
Figure 4: Labeled boxes of face shields ready for delivery
Face shields delivered to the Joinville Health Department
Figure 5: Face shields delivered to the Joinville Health Department

The initiative showed how collaboration among the community, companies, and public authorities can respond quickly to a collective need.

Team of volunteers involved in producing face shields
Figure 6: Team of volunteers involved in producing face shields