Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, a provider of solutions to Boeing’s aircraft, is supplying a face shield component to the aerospace manufacturer as it joins the effort to assist medical workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Boeing approached Trelleborg at the end of March, to manufacture and supply an elastomer strap needed for the adjustable headband of 3D-printed face shields. The Trelleborg Sealing Solutions dedicated aerospace facility in Northborough, Massachusetts, supported a 48-hour turnaround of prototypes. According to Trelleborg, during the following week the site was able to ramp up production to 5000 straps per week.
The elastomer straps provided are manufactured from aerospace grade silicone.
"In these unprecedented times, it’s imperative everyone plays a role that might not be in line with the one they are used to," said Quinn Collett, air frame manager at Trelleborg. "We were fortunate to receive the call from Boeing to support this effort and leverage Trelleborg’s expertise to quickly address the need."
Boeing plans to produce face shields using its additive manufacturing machines at various sites across the U.S. Boeing is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on this effort. FEMA will determine where the face shields are most needed.
