Healthcare facilities are experiencing a shortage of medical supplies with the growing effects of COVID-19. The first line of defense of the infectious disease are the medical professionals evaluating and assessing patients. Especially patients that require hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms. Each day the number of cases increases while healthcare providers are working diligently to protect the well-being of patients in hopes of making a full recovery. The virus is causing medical professionals to consistently use surgical masks, which results in a low supply of vital medical equipment.



Surgical masks are needed to protect healthcare providers and infected individuals to prevent transmission of the disease. There have been reports of others helping to supply essential equipment to ensure the safety of medical staff and patients. Owners of 3D printers are stepping in to help healthcare professionals with the growing shortage of medical tools.



In Montana, healthcare professionals at Billings Clinic are utilizing 3D printers to produce reusable plastic face masks. After printing, the masks are then fitted with pieces of surgical masks that can be changed as needed. The plastic mask requires a small square of a surgical mask filter, and then the surgical masks are cut into smaller pieces that are clipped to the plastic mask to be used as a filter.



The mask filter can be used for a day and changed out the next day, and can be washed with soap and water. Other disinfecting products and bleach can be used to properly clean the mask to ensure proper sanitation. One mask has the capacity to be used up to 6 to 10 times from a single surgical mask.



Billings Clinic has also uploaded files and instructions so anyone can print masks on their own 3D printer. Libraries in Montana will begin to print masks including Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College.



In Liverpool, New York a couple that develops 3D printers has stopped production on all orders to focus on creating face masks for medical responders and healthcare workers. Stephanie Keef and Isaac Budmen are owners of Budmen Industries and have created a visor they could print on 16 printers that are operating at full capacity in their New York residence.



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The couple purchased elastic and clear plastic that created 400 completed face shields that they’ve delivered to the Emergency Management Department in Onondaga County.

The couple also provided files accessible to other users and established a database that can connect to printers with hospitals in need of supplies. The video below shows how the masks are printed:



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