Company Uses 3D Printing To Make Face Shields For Hospital Staff

Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, is using its Oklahoma City campus to help out heroes on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

So far, they said they are creating protective equipment and ventilator parts to help both Oklahoma metro area hospitals.

But just like the reach of the deadly virus, the support from Baker Hughes has gone global.

“I would say about two to three weeks ago, is when we first sent the email to the hospitals, offering our support here in Oklahoma City. But, also we are doing this around the globe in Italy, in Germany, in Scotland, as well as the United States,” said Taylor Shinn, Baker Hughes Vice President of Ventures and Growth.

Soon, hospitals wrote them back—even sending models for prototypes they needed including face shields, ventilator parts and more.

The project covers both Oklahoma metros areas.

“We have a large facility in Claremore, Oklahoma and just our internal network has pulled in a lot of different teams. They reached out to hospitals in the Tulsa area, and got them involved,” said Shinn.

Baker Hughes estimates that they produce about 100 face shields a day.

They’ve partnered with others, using the same design.

“As long as we keep cutting out and printing the same face shields, doesn’t matter how ours fits with theirs…they are all going to be interchangeable,” said Jason Angolano, Laboratory Manager, Baker Hughes.

Their focus is on getting production up to increase the supply.

It’s a need that’s constantly changing.

“Right now, we have hospitals asking us for 200 or 300, and next week that number could change,” said Shinn. “It’s our family and friends. It’s our city, and state. For us, it’s how we can be responsive. When the world stops to help each other, and we are doing that. If we have the technology, the capability and knowhow, shame on us if we don’t do it.”

Baker Hughes expects requests for equipment to increase, and will work to meet the need.