Introduction: QuickShield Face Shield for Covid-19

A simple, decent quality, semi-rigid Personal Protective Equipment face
shield, that you can build yourself for about US $0.15 (or less than half that if buying wholesale), using no special tools, in just minutes. No 3D printers, no laser cutters. No cutting of any curves or complex shapes. As absolutely simple as possible, while still achieving a great outcome.

Unlike many designs, this one is height-adjustable, won't flop around, press against your nose or steam up easily. Recommended mainly for indoor use. I hope you will consider making some and donating them to your local healthcare workers.

See more info at: https://quickshield.now.sh/

Supplies

  • A regular transparency, A4 or US Letter, 80-100 micron (e.g. overhead transparency, printing transparency or presentation cover)
  • Two strips of plastic: 600mmx20mm 400 micron PVC (PET and others might work too). All sorts of companies might have stock - try the signage industry, or any companies that plastic suppliers supply to (even unexpected companies like bakers may have some)
  • A stapler
  • A ruler
  • A punch (preferably single-hole) or drill with 5mm wood or steel bit
  • Pliers - preferably without teeth (flat-faced)
  • Print the template (choose A4 or US Letter) to help shape the frame (see Construction video)

Step 1: Refer to This Summary Diagram

The best way to learn to make this shield is to watch the Construction video. Afterwards, this summary diagram should give you a quick way to refer back to dimensions and positions.

For step-by-step set instructions, read on.

Step 2: Mark Bend Lines With Marker Pen

Step 3: Staple

Staple the two sheets together, close to the bend line. The closer you get to the edge of the sheets, the neater it will look. If your stapler struggles to get through both layers, try banging down on it with your hand, with some speed and force.

Step 4: Curve As Per Template

Curve the two sheets of plastic as per the printed template. Now hold them firmly together between your thumb and forefinger on the second marked, unstapled line.

Step 5: Staple

Keeping the two sheets firmly together, place your first staple to secure them to each other. Now you can comfortable place the next three staples.

Step 6: Punch or Drill Holes

Punch or drill the holes. A single-hole punch is best (a two-hole punch is hard to position, and will give you an unnecessary, extra hole - not recommended - rather use a drill). See the Construction video for drilling instructions.

Step 7: Bend the Sheets

Bend the sheets across a ruler, using the ruler to enforce a straight, 90 degree edge. Start the bend with the ruler, then finish with your fingers. Finally, use the pliers to flatten the bend completely, and firmly. Preferably use pliers without teeth, or you may damage the plastic.

Step 8: Curve

Curve the sheets as per the smaller, inner curve of the printed template. Use something like a heavy book at an angle to help avoid the one end of the plastic slipping. Once you have the correct curve, pinch the two plastic sheets firmly together between your thumb and forefinger.

Step 9: Staple

Place a single, temporary staple, approximately as shown, to hold the sheets together so that you can complete the final step comfortably. (You can remove this staple later if you like.)

Step 10: Bring the Ends Together, and Staple

Complete the loop: bring the two ends together. Interleave the longer strip inside the shorter strip, push it all the way to the end, clamp it between thumb and forefinger, and place your first staple. Now double-check the squareness of the joint, adjusting if necessary, and place the final staple. Please refer to the Construction video for extra tips.

Step 11: Add an Elastic

Now you can add an elastic through the two holes, with a knot on the inside of the headband on each end.

Step 12: Position the Transparency

Prise the two layers of plastic apart, and slide in the transparency, in landscape, not portrait (i.e. with the wide edge horizontally). Set it to your desired height, and release the headband, which should now be holding the transparency firmly in place.


You can add a staple through the transparency if you like, but it shouldn't be necessary in most cases.

Step 13: Done

You're done!