[Explanation] Affected by the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the demand for protective equipment by Hong Kong medical staff has surged, and protective masks are also facing shortages. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University recently used 3D printing technology to complete the design work within 5 days, and urgently produced a batch of medical protective masks to solve the current urgent needs.

[Explanation] Wen Xiaozhong, Dean of the School of Engineering and Director of the 3D Printing Technology Center at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University told reporters that the Hospital Authority said in early February that the frontline of medical care faces a shortage of protective equipment. The mask cannot be copied directly. PolyU then used 3D printing technology to design independently. After 6 improvements in 5 days, the design plan was finalized. Wen Xiaozhong said that PolyU has referenced the scientific research data of the shape of the Chinese human head in the design, and provides two sizes of medium and large size, and strives to better fit the head shape of medical staff.

[Contemporary] Wen Xiaozhong, Dean of School of Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Laboratory Director of 3D Printing Technology Center

The shape of Chinese heads, or Asians, is different from Western heads. We are a little rounder, while Westerners are longer and sharper. So we used the suggestions of colleagues from the School of Design and made a lot of changes here. However, if you feel uncomfortable wearing it, we suggest that it is better to add a cushion, it is much better to add a cushion, this is the final design, the sixth edition design.

[Explanation] Wen Xiaozhong said that in late February, protective masks have begun mass production by local manufacturers, delivering 10,000 pieces to the Hospital Authority daily, and it is expected that 30,000 pieces will be delivered daily by the end of March. At the same time, PolyU launched about 30 3D printers, which operate 24 hours to assist in the production of mask frameworks to meet the urgent needs of the medical and nursing profession.

[Explanation] Wen Xiaozhong mentioned that some enterprises donated 7,000 films and accessories for the production of the first batch of protective masks. The fight against the epidemic was inseparable from social solidarity and mutual assistance.

Reporter Li Yuqi Hu Dingxuan reports from Hong Kong

Editor-in-chief: [Liu Xian]