RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@merrill-a
I have used 8.5" x 11" overhead transparency sheets (not sleeves which are used in a laminator machine - I actually used that in my 1st week of doing these shields, they are not very clear and have lots of micro-bubbles). Transparency sheets are only 4 mil thick (.004") but they work and i have delivered over 350 face shields to date around the United States directly to medical professionals.
https://www.faceshieldsrus.com
My cricut project link is: https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e81f095f1f0a80e942366e0
Hopefully that works for those who wish to use it. Note: cricut software is not very good.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@ez
The cricut link should be: https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e81f095f1f0a80e942366e0
Hopefully that works for you.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@chuck-k
Still coming up as private when you click make it
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
Ok. Since that was my first cricut design. I obviously don't know how to make it public. Can you tell me the steps ?
Chuck
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@chuck-k
I'm clueless on the subject, it's my wife's machine from school. She'll take a look and I will hopefully get back to you on it.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@chuck-k
https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009377574-How-do-I-share-my-Design-Space-project- My wife said that Cricut keeps private any design that you upload an image to make, so if you did that we are out of luck.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
No problem: I did order some .03" (1/32" thick clear 12" x 12" Nominal Lexan) shields on Amazon at the time they were $27.93 with s/h for 4 sheets, just checked and now they are $7.65 with s/h each. Quality good and fairly rigid, delivery took 4 days from ordering. Supplied by AcrylandUSA. I have some others coming from another company for a better price but reserve posting until I receive and evaluate.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
Man, sorry I missed this discussion until today. A lot of topics near and dear to my heart that we've worked through:
- We are using 8 or 10 mill 8 1/2 X 11 inch office transparencies. $29 for 200.
- I have been using an adjustable office 3 hole punch to punch either 6 or 3 hole patterns quickly. I can punch up to 4 sheets at one go.
- I have been using a Merlot bottle to trim the transparency corners using an X-Acto knife. It it crucial that the bottle be replaced periodically.
- I am working with someone locally who has developed a pattern for their Silhouette cutter to trim the transparencies. It's not fast but he seems to be able to crank out 25-50 without much issue.
- #64 rubber bands can be used with ear savers as a replacement for elastic. Ideally, use non-Latex rubber bands.
- After running into delays searching for rubber bands or elastic, I've developed a 3D printable headband that can used with the DtM or Prusa-style frames.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
I am using a Silhouette Cameo (similar to a Circut) to cut the face shields. Have 3D printed the NIH frames and a modified head strap along with cutting 6 hole 8.5x11 shields on my Cameo. To date I have printed and shipped off about 60 full shields. In addition I have printed the Prusa shield frames for an organization that is doing the the clear shields and distribution where needed. I am using PRUSA Orange PETG (provided at discount by PRUSA) to print these items. It is good to see so many helping out with these efforts.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@merrill-a
Well done! I have a Cameo too but haven't found the right material yet. What are you using?
Kind regards
Phil
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
I ordered 200 sheets of 7 mil 8.5x11" from CFS Binding Supplies. 1-888-237-3221. in Michigan. They cost $17.98 per 100 plus S/H. My total bill for the 200 sheets was $35.29 shipped to Florida.The nomenclature is "8.5" x 11" Clear Covers - Med 7 mil Square Corners (100 bundle) - 033027AA"
I made some adjustments to the pattern attached to the face shields so the holes lined up with those on the shields and printed/cut them on stiff paper until I got it exactly as it needed to be. Putting curved corners and holes in the Silhouette Cameo software was a piece of cake. I did do a 2 pass cut to make sure all holes came out with no problem. My cutter blade was set to 2 or 3 with a speed of 4. Note that the holes stick to everything as they are static and a pain to get off your fingers, etc when pushing them out and into the waste bucket.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@merrill-a
Thank you very much for having sent such a detailed reply. It's very useful!!!
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@merrill-a
I ordered 100 "no-metal" elastic ponytail holders from Amazon (US). You can chain them together for elastic. It works perfectly on the printed face shield and on the masks that I am sewing. You can also cut 1" strips of t-shirt material, pull on it to make it roll, and use it as ties. I ordered 6 XXL Hanes T-shirts from Amazon (US).
I am still searching for an SVG file for my Cameo 4 to cut the transparencies (that I bought on Amazon US). Any idea where to find it? I can use a 3-hole punch for the top, but I want to cut the three holes for the bottom retainer. The transparencies are difficult to use a hand hole punch on.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@mikebourgeault
Hello Mike, Would you please post the SVG file again? When I click on the link it opens a smaller window that is empty. Thanks so much!
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@margaret-m
Hopefully this allows me to attach. I used tinkercad to design.
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@mikebourgeault
Hi Mike! Thanks so much for the speedy reply. I must be doing something wrong as I still get the empty pop-up box. No worries, though. Silhouette Studio 4.4 will convert a .DXF file to an SVG file and there is a .DXF file somewhere in the design instructions (hubby found it). The problem that I am having is that you must use a mat to cut the acetate in a Silhouette Cameo machine, and that mat is sticky and ruins the acetate. I attempted to cut the acetate without a mat, which ostensibly you can do, but that did not work, either. I am going to have hubby reprint the bottom piece using the two hole design so that the acetate can be cut with a two-hole punch. I was just trying to find an easy way to cut the bottom three holes, but no love there. Thanks again for your response!
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@margaret-m
I have the file that I developed for both the PRUSA shield frame and the NIH (6 hole) frame. I have attached my Silhouette Cameo files
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@merrill-a
Hi Merrill! Thanks so much for your reply; everyone on this forum is so nice. I must be more technologically challenged that I thought, as I cannot find the file that you attached.
No worries, though. Silhouette Studio 4.4 will convert a .DXF file to a .SVG file and there is a .DXF file somewhere in the design instructions (hubby found it). The problem that I am having is that you must use a mat to cut the acetate in a Silhouette Cameo machine, and that mat is sticky and ruins the acetate. I attempted to cut the acetate without a mat, which ostensibly you can do, but that did not work, either. I am going to have hubby reprint the bottom piece using the two hole design so that the acetate can be cut with a two-hole punch. I was just trying to find an easy way to cut the bottom three holes, but no love there; I just read that you can adjust certain 3-hole punches to the measurements of the bottom three holes so I shall try that next. Thanks again for your response! Apologies, I cut and pasted some of this response from the response I sent (above) to mikebourgeault
RE: Using a Cricut for the transparencies
@bobstro
Wow, shame that the wine bottle must be replaced periodically (smiling here). Thanks for the link to the binder covers. I have been using transparencies that I purchased from Amazon but they are no longer available. I bought two different types and I do not like the other type at all. Anyway, I would love to know how someone is using their Silhouette machine to cut the acetate. I spent a could of hours trying to figure it out but gave up and had a glass of wine 🤣 . Heavy sigh. At least now I have a bottle to use to cut the bottom curves - lol. Great idea; I had been eyeballing it. Yikes!