3D printing produced in Staffordshire helps visually impaired sports fans at major events

A Stone-based print manufacturer has played a key role in helping to give visually impaired sports fans the life-changing chance to enjoy live events. 

Midlands 3D Printing worked in partnership with GiveVision to create parts for headsets which were trialled at Wimbledon earlier this month and are currently being tested at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris before the Olympic and Paralympic Games are held in the French capital next year. 

The headsets use 5G to stream footage from local TV cameras to the headsets, which enhance the footage to suit the person’s specific sight profile by bringing it closer to their eye to stimulate the photoreceptor cells in the retina, which means a degree of sight can be regained. 

Midlands 3D Printing was involved with the design of the front cover and controller cover, and printed both the protypes and final parts using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology at its headquarters at Stone Business Park.  

Managing Director Paul Moloney said: “Our work for GiveVision came from an out of the blue enquiry but has been a great project to be involved with. 

“We are proud to have both designed and printed parts for this amazing technology. 

“Not only has it shown what can be done with 3D printing, but it is a great demonstration of a final use product, how we are flexible in design and that we give people the opportunity to order what they need, when they need it.” 

The majority of Midlands 3D Printing’s work is subject to non-disclosure agreements but the company, which employs eight people, works with some of the largest brands in the world. 

For more information on 3D printing produced in Staffordshire helps visually impaired sports fans at major events talk to Midlands 3D Printing Ltd