I love how the maker community everywhere scrambles to contribute to PPE solutions for healthcare workers. Here's another design that was posted on Blender Artists. Of course, the usual disclaimer applies: this is not a comparably safe substitute for an industrially manufactured face mask, such as an N95 Respirator.
Graeme Harvie writes:
Hello,
I originally submitted this posting to blenderartists.org and thought I'd share it here. You can read about where the idea came from and see more details about the medical mask. Thanks for looking and let me know if you have any comments or questions. Just trying to help those that are devoted to helping others.
Thanks
Graeme
9 Comments
Amazing work !
Will you try to approve it ? it's a wonderful idea and with the 3d print capacities it could be a great project
Regards
Thanks so much STEFAKAPAPY! Really appreciate the kind message. I know some parts would have been nice to 3D print but this idea is not to be a quick fix but more of a properly manufactured product that goes through all of the health and safety practices and making sure it's a viable option for use. Definitely needs to have experts in each field to determine it could work. I'm hoping the idea gets to the right people and then, who knows? Let's hope. :) Cheers and stay safe.
Even better, it's perfect. I hope you will get to the final point as soon as possible and you'll make a difference to help community wherever it is.
Total support, humanity still have sense because of people as you.
RESPECT !!
You just made my month with those words!! Thank you so much.
You're very welcome ;)
Please keep us noticed of the progress of this project
I have seen a lot of facemasks recently, though I can honestly say this is the best so far, as it protects your eyes as well the mouth/nose.
My only suggetion to improve it would be having an insert around edge for removable, washable foam, as not all faces are shaped the same. The filter and harness could then be 3d-printed using PETT filament, and the visor in PETG.
I hope you can get this vetted by medical authorities in Europe and the USA.
Thanks Rush! Appreciate the reply and support. When you mention about the washable foam, that one around the face was meant to be washable. The whole thing really is meant to be disinfected easily. The foam itself was large enough to mold/shape and compress to different shapes. However, I did mention that there might need to be 2 or different sizes to help with a better overall fit. Like small, medium and large (but that also depends on manufacturing costs). I'd like to do some R & D with some 3D printing and see if new iterations can come from it with more of a simpler approach. Thanks for the info on Pett and Petg. What about TPE and TPU? I see that that is flexible extrusion. I actually submitted this to our local government (Ontario) to see if they could fund something like this. I'll let the group know, once I hear back. Although, I think people will automatically dismiss it because it's not quick, easy and cheap! I just think that's not the right way to go for something like this or any future pandemics that could arise. Take care of yourself. G
I posted a link to this page on LinusTechTips, one of several tech channels around British Columbia helping 3D print PPE for local medical services and businesses. Whilst they are based in Vancouver, I hope it will help grow support for your project.
If you haven't already, I'd suggest you contact a local makerspace to see how much in filament the mask would cost in spools, so if it does enter production, this helps facilities get an idea as the supply they will need.
Wow. I appreciate your help. Thanks for taking the time to do that! Yes. I'll start asking around. I was actually looking at printers over the weekend. Thanks again for your support. Have a great week!