Corning Scientists Co-Innovate with Community Members to Produce 3D Printed Face Shields for Local Hospitals

To support local demand for personal protective equipment, two Corning scientists — Nathan Wetmore and Evan Olson, members of the Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass development group— organized a plan to 3D print and assemble more than 2,000 protective face shields for Corning, NY area hospitals.

"We are all doing our part to stay at home and social distance,” Wetmore said. “This is an important part in helping to stop the spread. However, I wanted to try and do more. I wanted to try and help as the situation continues to evolve. I saw this opportunity as an easy way to make a difference right away."

Wetmore and Olson reached out to their colleagues and local contacts for help and have received strong support from community members, including supply and monetary donations from more than 30 individuals with 3D printing capabilities, along with materials from Tobey Co. Manufacturing, a Corning-based machine shop.

“Being able to deliver over 2,000 face shields to local hospitals in the next few days is just fantastic,” said Olson. “It’s amazing to see the community come together in this time of need and organize such an inspiring effort.”

The duo also worked with the Chemung County Library District to use its ‘Maker Space’ to assemble the face shields.

The first 1,000 face shields were recently delivered to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY.

“We are very fortunate to have the benefit of Corning’s world-class intellectual and technical resources applied to this cause,” said Jonathan Lawrence, chief executive officer and president, Arnot Health. “These face shields are yet another example of Corning’s spirit of innovation, and are a deserving tribute to the healthcare heroes who put themselves at risk to care for our community members each and every day.”