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Todd Ragaza '93
Todd Ragaza ‘93 has joined a worldwide community of 3D printers and makers named “Print the Curve Flat,” (PTCF) whose mission is to help produce PPE and fill gaps in supply chains, particularly in the US where the need is acute. To date, Ragaza has printed 600 face shields and 250 ear guards on his personal 3D printers. He has distributed most of this equipment locally in Connecticut to various hospitals, clinics, medical practices, and EMS/first responder outfits, but he has also shipped as far north as Maine and as far south as Virginia.
“PTCF has been very helpful for makers like me who want to help, providing resources for makers and also connecting makers with those in need,” Ragaza said.”It seems the whole 3D printing and maker community, worldwide, is galvanized in one mission to help provide PPE and fill gaps in supply chains, particularly in the US where the need is acute. I'm grateful to be a part of it.”
The face shield Ragaza is creating is made of two parts: a visor or frame and a clear plastic sheet to form the shield. Popular and easily sourced materials for the clear shield include overhead transparency material or clear binder covers. The visor is the 3D-printed part and is quick to print and consumes little plastic, which are important for efficient mass production. The face shields have become so important in this fight against COVID-19 because N95 and surgical masks are in such short supply. Face shields extend the life of these masks, which are often worn way longer than they were intended. The shields can be cleaned and reused.
Ragaza said that ear guards (or ear savers) have recently become another popular request from healthcare workers. Wearing an N95 or surgical mask for double shifts can cause the backs of ears to chafe or become sore and uncomfortable. These ear guards help relieve the pressure from the mask's elastic straps off the backs of the wearer's ears.
“As with the face shields, PTCF prints an NIH recommended model, which is important because we want to ensure that using such a device does not in any way compromise the PPE,” he said.
When Ragaza is not printing PPE, he works with Fortune 500 senior executive teams as a leadership coach, change strategist, and process consultant. Thank you, Todd, for all you are doing to help “Print the Curve Flat.” To learn more about Todd’s project and how to support his efforts, https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-3d-print-face-shields-and-ear-guards
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in CT, 2024
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Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.
