It's an opportunity cost. If we allocate resources that can otherwise be put to a better use, why not? Efficiency is king in mass production.

By all means, use 3D printing at hospital level to get things made that's needed. A parts of the face shield (such as the head band) can be locally manufacturered using 3d printers.

But it is boggling to me that the media keeps wanting to get 3D printing buzzword clicks than actually asking manufacturing engineers.