Using a Cricut for the transparencies  

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

@merrill-a

You can buy a cheap laminator on amazon. $25

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.

My notes on maximizing prints for COVID reponse here.

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!