DOST ramps up face shield production to 5,000 daily

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is significantly increasing its production of face shields, aiming to produce 5,000 units daily to support frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is now mass-producing face shields using an injection mold capable of producing 2,500 shields per day, with a partner facility contributing another 2,500 daily.

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), another DOST research arm, has already 3D printed and delivered face shields to the Philippine Heart Center and is working with the Philippine Science High School Main Campus for further production.

The Bataan Peninsula State University - Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (BPSU-AMREL), supported by DOST, is developing a hybrid process combining 3D printing for customization and injection molding for mass production of face shields.

DOST Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara highlighted the agency's commitment to finding innovative solutions to decrease production time for vital protective equipment for frontliners.