The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly reshaping our world. Soon enough, face masks will become part of our “new normal”. In many European countries, it is currently mandatory to wear face masks on public transports, supermarkets, and stores.
Finding face masks is currently a challenge for citizens and workers across the world. In lack of a valid alternative, citizens have started creating improvised, home-made face masks using any scraps of fabric they can find around the house.
To help citizens and workers, companies are finding creative solutions to face this shortage of face masks. A surprising solution comes from a Belgian 3D printing company called Materialise.
This company is playing a leading role through 3D printing in the fight against the pandemic. One such example is their innovation on hands-free door handles. Materialise is showing the world how printing technology can become a powerful tool to help communities face the emergency.
Make your own face mask: these 3D-printed clips designed by @EDAG allow you to turn just about any fabric into a face mask, helping to ease critical supply difficulties for healthcare workers. #FlattenTheCurve #EDAGmask4all https://t.co/7TEd9bmrET pic.twitter.com/WZWerBXCdU
— Materialise (@MaterialiseNV) April 9, 2020
Taking DIY to a whole new level
Materialise partnered with EDAG Group to design some special 3D-printed clips. It may be small but this turns any piece of fabric into a face mask for non-medical use. Although the fabrics need to be changed often, the clips are reusable, so you can change your mask any time you want.
You can purchase a set on the company’s website. Each set contains three pieces of medical polyester fabric, clips, and elastic bands. This makes up a total of three sets of face masks. Each set also comes with a little guide containing a step-by-step guide on assembling the product.
How to assemble your DIY Mask
The assembly process is really easy. Simply fold the fabric, position the clips, and attach the elastic bands to secure them behind your ears. You need to change the cloth daily and sanitize both the fabrics and the clips regularly.
Many of us will be back in the office soon. But that doesn't mean safety measures can cease. Discover the solutions we are implementing at Materialise. https://t.co/GNm9jMo2nk pic.twitter.com/2IrKqkEonw
— Materialise (@MaterialiseNV) April 27, 2020
Although the set already comes with pieces of fabric, you can use any breathable, washable fabric you have at home. This includes such as bedsheets, cotton cloths, or even old t-shirts.
Fighting Covid19 with Innovation
This DIY kit is part of Materialise’s response to COVID-19. After decades of experience in 3D printing, they were able to provide medical supplies that meet all the safety standards required by the European Commission.
One of the key advantages of 3D production is its speed. At this time, health care professionals and citizens need to quickly adapt to new challenges and rules, so 3D printing can offer innovative devices very rapidly. Thanks to 3D printing, a great idea can become real in less than a day.
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Photo credit: The feature photo used is owned by Materialise and have been provided for press usage.
