PLUS Automation produces innovative device for frontline workers

By PLUS Automation Ltd
schedule20th May 20

Worcestershire based automation sensor specialists PLUS Automation has designed and started producing cooling fans for frontline workers. These cooling devices can be attached to the users PPE, particularly face visors, to help reduce heat rashes and improve their comfort.

Toby Weymouth is responsible for Marketing at PLUS Automation, has come up with the innovative idea to help frontline workers when they need it most. The cooling device uses a 5V mini fan in conjunction with a 3D printed housing to clip onto face visors or goggles and provide a gentle breeze across the face. It is powered by USB and designed to run from a mobile portable charger in the user's pocket.

The idea came about after widespread coverage in the news that frontline workers were suffering from heat rash after wearing face visors all day, due to warm working conditions and stress. 

After Toby produced the CAD design, it was then sent to Central Scanning (CS) who produced a prototype of the product. PLUS Automation was introduced to CS through the Made in the Midlands network, and another member, A W Precision has kindly started printing fan housings also.

Central Scanning optimised the design so that it could more easily be printed on a wide variety of 3D printers, including simple hobby 3D printers. Toby is now busy 3D printing the first 30 fan housings which are being mounted to goggles provided by Alpha Solway for adaptation into face visors.

The innovative design and instructions are available online for others who would like to produce and donate them for their local frontline workers. – www.CoolingFans.co.uk

Other than supporting frontline workers by producing cooling fans, PLUS Automation has remained open, providing products to the pharmaceutical industry and are still supporting their customers across all aspects of manufacturing. 

Talking about the project, Mark Weymouth, Managing Director at PLUS Automation said: 

"As a parent, you support your children in their projects and interests - In this instance, it's been a pleasure helping Toby on such an innovative idea. I hope this spark of imagination grows into a firestorm of activity and help for our hard-working NHS and frontline workers.

“There are plenty of people out there working tirelessly to provide PPE to frontline workers, and we hope that these cooling fans might improve the working day slightly for nurses, doctors and carers alike – I hope that this shows that we appreciate their work and the difficulties they are facing.”  

Download the cooling fan design for face visors and find out more about the product by heading to www.CoolingFans.co.uk.