Couple launch 3D printing production line from Leeds home to make face shields for NHS

Nick Pearson and Lauren Rooney, both 26, decided to put the 3D printer at their Morley home to use to make the protective visors.

The visors are sterile and eco-friendly and can provide vital protection to doctors, surgeons, pharmacists and GPs.

After 'phenomenal' demand the couple have purchased three more 3D printers and can print more than 1,500 visors a week.

They are offering the equipment free of charge to any hospital, pharmacy or GP practice that needs them and orders have been flooding in.

Nick, an IT programmer, said: "The response we've got is absolutely phenomenal.

"At the moment we have two printers on the kitchen table and the TV stand has been recommissioned for two printers which arrived today.

"I’m willing to put as many printers in my house as needed to get print times as low as possible, but with the quality still there. It's a serious production line.

"The more money we raise, the more printers we can buy and the more we can produce."

Deliveries have already gone out to pharmacies in Leeds and posted further afield and Nick says there has been huge interest in the equipment.

The couple have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for production and hope they can order six new printers within the next week.

Nick added: "It’s close to me, I’ve got a lot of family who are classed as vulnerable. I just want to help people stay safe, to do something that can help.

“It’s really important to look at your skills, what you’re good at, and work out how you can help. Take a look around - are you good at sewing? Can you make aprons?

“There are a lot of groups that need help on Facebook with all kinds of things. It’s time for everybody to pull together.”