How Plastics Are Key to Fighting COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to sweep through the United States and across the world. At the time of writing this, there have been over six million reported cases just in the US, but fortunately, there are an increasing number of ways to stop the spread. While social distancing is key, in some places, like factories, customer service areas, schools, and offices, the six feet of distance isn't possible. Fortunately, plastics are making it possible to stay safe, and our injection molding company is exploring the benefits of using plastics in the fight against COVID-19.

Plastic Barriers Stop the Spread of Germs

Businesses, office buildings, schools, and medical waiting areas are able to safely protect students, customers, and workers by installing clear, plastic barriers around desks, reception areas, cash registers, and anywhere where keeping social distance isn't possible. Often made from acrylic or polycarbonate, these barriers prevent respiratory droplets that may contain the virus from reaching others within six feet, blocking the transmission of COVID-19.

On a smaller scale, many people are choosing to wear plastic face shields in cases where a mask isn't ideal. Because the shield is a few inches from the face, the wearer feels cooler and more comfortable, while still keeping themselves and those around them safe. The transparent shields have been used for people working in assembly line areas, medical facilities, and even football teams have worn them with their helmet's face mask so they can play more safely. They have also been important for people in the Deaf community who read lips as the fabric and surgical masks prevent them from seeing mouth movement. With transparent plastic, they are able to listen and communicate much more easily without the risk.

Why Is Thermoformed Plastic Ideal for Barriers and PPE?

Why are more people choosing plastic than other materials to provide protection against COVID-19? There are several factors that make it the ideal material for both installing barriers and for creating PPE.

Ease of Fabrication

Surgical masks and N95 masks are made from blown plastic fibers which are hard to manufacture and require lengthy lead times to create and produce on the mass scale necessary to keep people safe during a pandemic. On the other hand, thermoforming is an efficient, effective manufacturing method that can produce large quantities of plastic shields and barriers in just a few weeks without sacrificing any kind of quality.

Durability

For creating barriers around public spaces, including desk cubicles, cash registers, and reception desks, using plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, rather than glass is the better option. It offers the same protection as glass as it's impermeable to respiratory droplets, plus, it's just as transparent. On top of this, acrylic and polycarbonate are lightweight, shatter-resistant materials that can be coated with an anti-scratch and anti-glare material to ensure the best quality. Once it's in use, plastic is easy to keep clean and free of germs, fingerprints, and dust with just a proper storebought cleaner and paper towels or microfiber cloths.

Cost

Acrylic and polycarbonate are not only easy to work with and highly durable, they're significantly less expensive. The materials, plus using thermoforming as a production method, is much more cost efficient than using glass for barriers or blown plastic fibers for masks.

Contact Us for Medical Thermoforming Today

Our plastic manufacturing facility has over 60,000 square feet dedicated to thermoforming. Our team of designers, engineers, and manufacturers will work with you to design and produce the face shields and plastic barriers you need to keep people at your facility safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you would like to learn more about our medical thermoforming, reach out to us today. We work with all types of industries in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.