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07 July, 2024
March 26, 2020 at 3:42 pm
These files were created as part of a collaboration between Paul Stevers at thinkrenewables.ca and JCAD – Inc.
Paul approached us yesterday with the idea of creating an open source face mask design that could incorporate a standard coffee filter, and that anyone with access to a 3D printer could make for themselves or others. We helped Paul create the 3D CAD designs and 3D printing files needed for his design.
The CAD design files for 3D printing your own face masks are completely free of charge and can be accessed below.
Currently there is an unprecedented global shortage of face masks. It’s very important that our medical staff, sick people and those in closest contact with the coronavirus have access to these limited supplies. That has meant, however, that there are restrictions for the general public who may want to take extra precautions against getting sick by using a face mask in public. Even our hospitals are running out!
As a result, a cottage industry of mask makers has emerged around the world with people from all walks of life stepping up to make do-it-yourself face masks in the thousands.
These masks are being donated to medical facilities, used personally and provided to others who would like to take some extra precautions against getting sick, for example if having to go to crowded places where risk of infection might be higher, or to help prevent the spread of illness if the mask wearer is sick themselves.
In just a few recent examples, fabric retailer JOANN Fabric and Crafts Store has released a video showing how people can make masks at home which has been viewed over a million times, Thailand’s health authorities are encouraging people to make cloth face masks to guard against the spread of COVID-19 amid local mask shortages and the hashtag #millionmaskchallenge is trending on twitter, with makers around the world using it to share their creations and ideas.
Homemade masks are not a substitute for N95 respirators or professionally made surgical masks, and no mask can guarantee 100% protection against illness. There is also contention among experts about the effectiveness of masks in preventing illness if the wearer is not sick or in close contact with someone with COVID-19. The World Health Organization suggest that masks are only needed when looking after someone suspected of 2019-nCoV infection.
Some believe however that even though not 100% effective, homemade masks may be beneficial to a degree in helping to stop people catching the virus by blocking at least some of the airborne droplets from infected people coughing or sneezing in their vicinity. Others suggest that homemade masks only serve as a reminder for us to not touch our faces.
With all this in mind, if you would like to take the precaution of using a face mask but would prefer to 3D print a mask rather than sewing one, read on.
This mask design is comprised of two 3D printing files; the main cup section of the mask, and the ring section which clips onto the cup section.
Standard Version containing both .STL files is available to download here (18.3MB)
Cross Version containing both .STL files is available to download here (12.7MB)
The face mask is 3D printed in two separate parts, one which clips into the other. The video below shows how the two parts of the mask fit together.
To use the mask:
The mask file is currently sized to print for an “average” face. If you have a smaller or larger face you can increase or decrease the size of the CAD model prior to printing.
Please note that these designs and this concept have not been industry tested or assessed in any way for their efficacy in preventing illness, disease or infection. They are not a guaranteed way of avoiding illness.
According to the FDA, even a properly fitted N95 mask “does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.”
Before you use a face mask you should inform yourself of their limitations, risks, and proper use so that you can decide whether using a home made face mask is appropriate for your individual situation.
JCAD — Inc. will not be held liable for any loss or damage in connection with the use of the files described and shared in this article.
The decision to use these files is solely your own. Use at your own risk. The publication of this article is intended for educational purposes only.
The World Health Organisation’s recommendations on when and how to use masks
Different points of view on the use of masks and their effectiveness in preventing illness:
Should you wear a face mask to prevent COVID-19? Experts disagree.
People are making DIY masks to fight coronavirus. But do they actually work?
Articles about people around the world making face masks:
Sheltered in Place? Make Masks – Bloomberg article
How To Make Coronavirus Face Masks, And How Effective They Are – Huffington Post article
Below you can find some other resources for making DIY face masks.
Many of these are for people interested in sewing masks for their own use or for donating to medical facilities.
How to make a face mask – Deaconess
JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores – How to Make a Face Mask
Thank you for reading and wishing you all the very best of health!
