An award-winning kitchen tap designer and manufacturer has lent its engineering expertise to a 3D printing project to make face shields that will protect frontline NHS staff in the fight against coronavirus.
Cawston based, Greg Rowe Limited, responded to a plea from the University of East Anglia/Team East Anglia project and was notified yesterday that it had been selected from hundreds of applications to commence an initial 3D printing run.
Design engineer Iain Prosser (pictured), who is usually engaged in the design of the company’s QETTLE 4 in 1 boiling water taps, will deliver the first batch of shields to a secure area of the UEA’s campus tomorrow.
Greg Rowe Jr, who is the managing director of the family-owned company says:
“We got in touch with Team East Anglia as soon as we heard about the need for businesses with 3D printing facilities and knowledge of specialist, 3D printing software.
“We invested in our second 3D printer around two years ago – and ordinarily, it’s used for the rapid prototyping of parts for our QETTLE taps, which, in addition to dispensing flows of hot and cold water, also deliver 100°C boiling and filtered drinking water. However, we are both delighted and proud that our engineering expertise can be deployed to support the national effort to help the NHS.”