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andy1111
(@andy1111)
Active Member
3D printed masks

Are there some open source ZTL files about masks and I would like to print some by using my printer.

Posted : 18/08/2021 9:28 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
masks

A search of the 3D pritnts section or htingverse will lead the way:

https://www.prusaprinters.org/search/prints?q=covid%20mask

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 18/08/2021 10:19 am
andy1111 liked
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
3D printed PPE is not a great solution for most consumers
Posted by: @andy1111

Are there some open source ZTL files about masks and I would like to print some by using my printer.

Yes there are. Be aware that many of those designs were produced as expediencies (e.g., using vacuum cleaner or room air filters) back in early 2021 when PPE was difficult or impossible to obtain and was being reused in hospital settings. In early 2021, it was difficult to locate simple elastic bands, so 3D printed solutions were in high demand. In my area (New England region US), hospitals are no longer interested in such contributions and legitimate PPE is widely available. Even little things like the ear savers aren't in much demand.

On a practical level, there's nothing you are going to be able to 3D print that will provide anything close to a good seal along the lines of N95/KN95 masks. Anything you print will be bulky and difficult to hold in place, prone to slipping off when you move, and likely very uncomfortable for extended wear. Whatever you do produce is going to get gross very quickly and unless coated, difficult to keep sanitary.

You might print up something to wear for fun or cosplay, but I'd wear it over a legitimate surgical or N95/KN95 mask if you want actual protection.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 18/08/2021 3:03 pm
andy1111 liked
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
PPE

 

Posted by: @bobstro
Posted by: @andy1111

Are there some open source ZTL files about masks and I would like to print some by using my printer.

Yes there are. Be aware that many of those designs were produced as expediencies (e.g., using vacuum cleaner or room air filters) back in early 2021 when PPE was difficult or impossible to obtain and was being reused in hospital settings. In early 2021, it was difficult to locate simple elastic bands, so 3D printed solutions were in high demand. In my area (New England region US), hospitals are no longer interested in such contributions and legitimate PPE is widely available. Even little things like the ear savers aren't in much demand.

On a practical level, there's nothing you are going to be able to 3D print that will provide anything close to a good seal along the lines of N95/KN95 masks. Anything you print will be bulky and difficult to hold in place, prone to slipping off when you move, and likely very uncomfortable for extended wear. Whatever you do produce is going to get gross very quickly and unless coated, difficult to keep sanitary.

You might print up something to wear for fun or cosplay, but I'd wear it over a legitimate surgical or N95/KN95 mask if you want actual protection.

I have to agree.  Most are gag products that I would not use for protection.  I printed a bunch.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 18/08/2021 8:38 pm
andy1111 liked
andy1111
(@andy1111)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
reply to bobstro

Hey, thanks for the suggestion, I just thought it was interesting and I'm actually aware that it can't be used as a real medical surgical mask.

Posted : 19/08/2021 2:24 am
andy1111
(@andy1111)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Thanks for all the replies and reminders

Thanks for all the replies and reminders, I wouldn't wear a 3D printed mask as a real mask, I do it because I find it interesting.

Posted : 19/08/2021 2:28 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Darth Vader

I printed several Darth Vader masks for friends and colleagues.  I ended up selling dozens.  They were a good product for geeky types like myself.  

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4275874

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 19/08/2021 9:34 am
andy1111
(@andy1111)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
thank you

 

Posted by: @cwbullet

I printed several Darth Vader masks for friends and colleagues.  I ended up selling dozens.  They were a good product for geeky types like myself.  

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4275874

This looks very cool, and it's even open-source, thank you very much!

Posted : 23/08/2021 2:11 am
Patrick7288
(@patrick7288)
New Member
Reply

Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Many thanks for sharing!

Posted : 07/10/2021 5:10 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Key

The key is that 3D printed masks may not protect you but are great for fun, unless you catch covid.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 07/10/2021 9:53 am
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