diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 171534bf1af2e943dfa0770e1ef3099777d62f7a..3335028ab6dea89b933861ea3e0cc487c4a8e8b1 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ Rapid manufacturing of embossing tooling for permanently marking thin plastic.
 
 ![mfg_tool](img/url_tool.jpg)
 
+## status
+This project has been shelved as face shield mass manufacturing scaled up faster than expected. The method is still relevant for quick-turn pilot scale runs of thin plastic products.
+
 ## need
 As part of our covid-19 face shield production efforts, we need to permanently mark units that end up in hospitals with a few basic identifiers: a manufacturing batch number and a shortened URL for assembly instructions. The Zund needs to spend its time cutting rather than marking, and doctors have complained about the smell of laser-engraved text.