Right before the majority of businesses shut down I purchased a low-end 3D printer as a way to learn some new skills while our family is in isolation. At first, I was printing toys for my two young girls to keep them busy, but I soon found out about projects that were in the works to use this technology to fight the pandemic.

There was some need in Italy for respirator parts and some plans for face masks and other personal protection equipment. From that, someone created a national google sheet to sign up to be alerted when there is a need for a part that can be made in your area. It also polls users with design experience and if there is some shortage that could possibly be designed using CAD software this offers a way to crowdsource a solution.

I recently found out about a local group here in Baltimore called We The Builders that is crowdsourcing the printing of face shields. Depending on what you have available you can print several copies of a piece of a face mask and deliver them to a maker space in Baltimore called Open Works. The pieces are then assembled and delivered to hospitals that requested them. It is a new and effective way to create a supply chain for PPE equipment during this crisis. I am working on printing as many of these face bands as I can and delivering them to Open Works over the weekend.

If you have access to a 3D printer (I know it is not a common household item) there are ways to get involved. The materials needed can be as simple as PLA but PETG or ABS is preferred. Atomic Filament in Indiana is a US manufacturer that has donated materials and slashed their prices during this time to help get these masks produced. Another interesting design on the horizon is a way to convert a SCUBA mask into a respirator using a 3D printed part.

Even if you don’t have a 3D printer at home you can get involved, Operation Shields Up is working with volunteers.