UGM's Disaster Response Unit (DERU) started its production of face shield since last Thursday (2/4). This production is necessary because of the urgent need for a face shield as part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for allied health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main courtroom of the Directorate of Community Service has turned into a production location.
Face shield production is carried out using a 3D printer with mica as the basis. DERU bought 12 units of 3D Printer for this production. The production was carried out by 36 Period 1 KKN PPM UGM students who were withdrawn from the site on March 3, while four of the people were from DERU team. As a production supervisor, this is held by Dr. Eng. Herianto, UGM Mechanical Engineering Lecturer. Besides DERU and the KKN team, several parties such as the mobile arena, FKKMK, and the UGM Faculty of Engineering also involved in the production and distribution process.
The production process is carried out for 6 hours per day with the division of two shifts, from 09.00 - 12.00 WIB and 12.00 - 15.00 WIB. Herianto stated that each 3D Printer unit could produce one face shield every one hour, so the total production of one hour is 12 face shields.
Amin Susiatmojo, S.Pt., M.Sc., Head of Logistics and Operational Section of KKN UGM's DPKM, said the production of face shields initiated to help meet the needs of medical staff around UGM. "So far, our production has been distributed to several locations and some parties. The distribution goes to UGM employees and students, villagers, and several markets around UGM, Kalayangkara Kalasan Hospital, Yogyakarta City BPBD TRC, Pakem Health Center, Ponjong II Health Center, Nokmah Hospital, and Piyungan Health Center," he said on Wednesday (8/4 ).
Meanwhile, Herianto stated that UGM has its unit to produce 3D Printers. However, because of urgency, he finally found a machine that only had a raft from Jakarta. Nevertheless, he said that this machine still uses the design of the unit so that it still has the identity of UGM. "So, my role in this production is from the supply of machinery and raw materials, assembly, and supervision," he explained.
Furthermore, Herianto, who is also the Coordinator of the 3D Printing Association of DIY Branch, said that 3D Printing activists in Indonesia are currently moving together throughout Indonesia to help meet the needs of medical personnel to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Some fellow volunteers both from UGM and the association also I have been on their own for 2-3 weeks. At present, the focus of production is only the face shield, but if we successfully meet the needs, we will start the production of other items. The point is that until the pandemic is over, we will produce anything to help overcome it," he concluded.
Author: Hakam
Translator: Natasa A