Supplier Nexteer Printing Protective Equipment

Tier 1 supplier Nexteer is using its 3D printers to manufacture personal protective equipment for medical workers treating COVID-19 patients.

As of Monday, the Nexteer plant in Saginaw, MI, had manufactured 900 face masks and face shields to be donated to nearby medical facilities. The Tychy, Poland, factory had provided 600 complete face shields by printing headbands and procuring plastic face shields from a third party.

Members of Saginaw’s medical community reviewed the initial mask prototypes before manufacturing began. The masks are being made in two sizes to accommodate both men and women.

Nexteer is exploring other ways to increase mask production, such as working with mold manufacturer Mayer Tool & Engineering to use an injection-molding machine in one of the supplier’s plants to produce 1,000 medical grade plastic masks per day. Nexteer also is working closely with its resin supplier, PolyOne, to supply the materials necessary to manufacture the face masks.

In Tychy, Nexteer is working with local officials to distribute the face shields to medical personnel including paramedics.

“Our 3D printers are typically used to create prototype steering systems for our automotive OEM customers, but our team found a creative solution to leverage our 3D technology to help our local community fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Piotr Dembiński, Nexteer communications manager-Europe, Middle East, Africa & South America. “Within just two days of starting this initiative, our engineers were producing masks – showcasing the strength of our One Nexteer team when faced with a problem.”

Meanwhile, Ford announces it has developed a new powered air-purifying respirator for use by COVID-19 patients. Production is to begin Tuesday at the automaker’s Vreeland facility near Flat Rock, MI, with output projected at 100,000 or more units.

Ford also is manufacturing face masks at its Van Dyke Transmission plant in Macomb County, MI, for internal use globally and is seeking certification for medical use. Volunteer UAW members at both locations are producing the items.