COVID-19 PPE

With the rise in US COVID-19 cases in the fall of 2020, I decided to put my 3D Printer to good use printing PPE (personal protection equipment) to be distributed locally. Caldwell Corporation donated the raw materials and I contributed the use of my Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer and my time manufacturing the PPE.

The Vader-2 PPE Mask was selected as the respirator. It had won an ‘America Makes’ award and was featured by the NIH for its design. The face covering utilized a soft rubber band like plastic, NinjaFlex, which was challenging, but ultimately rewarding, to 3D print.

Face shields were also made. The Prusa Pro face shield was selected for its good design and ease of manufacture.

I am pleased to say that ultimately 80 shields and 35 masks were produced in January and February of 2021. Guy and Mary Felt Manor, a local nursing home, took some of the face shields. The masks and the rest of the face shields were distributed locally through the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. Thankfully, cases declined and I was able to end the project that February.