UTAS student and staff have harnessed their technical capabilities with a cross-disciplinary team constructing and assembling PPE for frontline medical workers.

A network of laser-cutting machines and 3D printers have been working in facilities in Hobart, Launceston and the Cradle Coast.

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University College chief executive and project lead said this was a whole-of-university effort, with students playing a vital role.

"This is a whole of University effort, both cross-discipline and cross-state," Mr Whiteley said.

"A number of technical staff are utilising their extensive experience with CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers." Head of Architecture and Design Professor Greg Nolan said the university had sourced enough material for about 3000 face shields.

"Students in Architecture and Design have a long history of involvement in learning-by-making projects," Professor Nolan said.

"Helping to make the shields gives them the chance to play an active role assisting our health workers, and to display the technical and organisational skills they have learnt at UTAS."

"For students living by themselves during social isolation, this project provides the opportunity for them to come together and do something meaningful with people they know.

"Also, our students will be the professionals of the future. They need to know that they can get in there and make a difference."

A core team of about 30 students and staff are busy making the PPE. Staff from the University College, the Australian Maritime College, architecture and design, health and medicine and creative arts and media are involved in the effort.

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