(585)775-5289
CoronaVirus 3D Printable Mask
Getting the call
I was asked to help design new masks, and to do it fast.
In March I was asked by my lab director to design face masks for the Naval office of Tech Solutions.
​
The navy had asked government-affiliated labs to design a 3D printable version of a face mask. Apparently the slow down in the manufacturing process for N-95 masks was the forming procedure. The Navy wanted for people to create a frame that can hold the raw filter material as to get as many masks built as possible.
​
There were many constraints reguarding volume of air inside the mask, compatability with combat helmets, usability, snugness to skin, and also all designs were subject to approval by an interbranch regulatory council that asseses mitigation of contamination hazards.
​
I had to drop my class work for a few days last semester to do this. It was worth it.
Digital Rendering
My reccomended solution
This mask is designed to be printed in 7 hours or less, use minimal plastic and also use minimal wasted plastic as a support. It was tested on several sypes of 3d printers to verify that users would be able to make it.
The mask is to be thermoformed to a users face, meaning it is perfectly snug.
​
I have worn this mask since april and I have not contracted the virus and it does not fog up glasses when worn.