Ricoh 3D partners with thermoforming company to supply NHS with PPE

European thermoforming packaging company Waddington Europe, has partnered with longstanding customer and partner Ricoh 3D, to provide supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the NHS.

Ricoh 3D were first approached in March by The Royal London Hospital. However, since then, countless NHS trusts and medical establishments have come forward requesting support, with Ricoh now fulfilling mass production of 40,000 face shields per week.

Waddington Europe helps with sourcing and producing the plastic visor component of the face shield, and the company was able to begin production just 16 days after the initial request was made.

Waddington’s in house design and development team produced and laser cut two initial design options with amendments to the position of the visor holes, so that the visors could be made on its thermoform machines. Samples were dispatched within twelve hours of receiving the request, so that Ricoh could assemble and present the prototype visor to the NHS for approval within 24 hours.  

Eduardo Gomes, managing director of Waddington Europe, said; “The coronavirus outbreak requires support and collaboration from all manufacturing and supply chain companies, and we are pleased to be working in solidarity to support the increased production of PPE and medical supplies to the NHS.”

Following feedback from Ricoh 3D, extra clear material was sourced and immediately used to re-sample the visor. By working with Waddington’s manufacturing site in Arklow, Ireland, the company were able to begin mass production of the super clear extruded material within a week.

Mark Dickin, additive manufacturing and moulding lead at Ricoh 3D, added: “We were very impressed at the speed and efficiency that our packaging supplier, Waddington Europe, were able to work with us to turn this critical project around.”

“I am personally committed to ensuring a seamless and reliable service to all our customers at all times, but now more than ever, we will be going the extra mile to help our colleagues and customers, friends, families and local communities,” Gomes concluded.