The motivation for research on 3D printing of protective face shields was the urgent societal demand for healthcare in the fight against the spread of COVID19 pandemic. Research is based on a literature review that shows that objects produced by additive technologies do not always have consistent quality suitable for the given purpose of use. Besides, they have different effects on the environment and leave different footprints. The overall goal of the research was to find out the most suitable thermoplastic material for printing shield frames in terms of mechanical properties, geometric accuracy, weight, printing time, filament price, and environmental sustainability. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology was used for 3D printing, and three different filaments were investigated: polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The weighted sum method for multi-objective optimization was used. Finally, PHA material was chosen, mainly due to its environmental sustainability, as it has the most negligible impact on the environment.

Purpose: The paper aims to present project No. 2020-1-SK01-KA226-VET094266 BEQUEL and partial results of the benchmarking questionnaire. Methodology/Approach: The starting point for the project solution was an analysis of the current state of ensuring the quality of e-learning in vocational training and education in the partner countries of the project (Slovakia, Greece, Spain, and Italy) and an overview of laws and regulations valid at the European level and in the world. A benchmarking survey was conducted to determine the level of e-learning quality assurance in these countries compared to good practices in the European Union. The Benchmarking Badge published monthly on the www.bequal.info portal tracks changes over time. Findings: The average standard for the four involved countries after the pandemic was the level for VET (Vocational Education and Training) providers: (1) strategy and policy for e-learning 71.6%, (2) support for trainers and trainees for e-learning 70.4, (3) infrastructure support for e-learning 74.9%, (4) program/course design and development and approval for e-learning provision 75.8%, and (5) e-learning training program evaluation procedures 67.9%. Research Limitation/Implication: On the one hand, the project was limited by the measures of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which face-to-face meetings and training were not allowed. Still, on the other hand, the VET providers recognised their weaknesses, strengths, and readiness for complete online education. Originality/Value of paper: Examples of good practice and video presentations inspire improving the quality of e-learning in VET.

The inspiration for the research was a customer request for 3D printing of face shield frames during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, but also due to the possibilities of relatively cheap 3D printing of various products, a large amount ...