3D Printed Face Mask (Light Duty)

grabcad

With face masks in short supply due to COVID-19, finding even light-duty face masks for yardwork or woodworking becomes increasingly difficult. Drawing inspiration from an air duct transition component, this concept leverages 3D printing to create a face mask frame that can utilize various materials as filters depending on user needs. Examples of filter materials include t-shirts, home air filters (as shown here), or breathable Tyvek. The Frame and optional Lid are designed for print without support material. The T-shaped base perimeter serves two purposes: 1) It acts as a "brim" to secure the part during 3D printing; 2) it allows attachment of a soft material, such as split tubing (as shown here), that comes into contact with the face. The square corners facilitate folding the filter material neatly without wrinkles, while the rectangular shape maximizes surface area for breathability. The Lid is optional, and the filter material can be secured directly onto the mask using tape. For applications requiring greater rigidity, parts printed using filament or sintered printers may need to be sealed. Fortunately, photopolymer printers can produce watertight results; I have included a large frame (140mm wide) that is compatible with the popular Formlabs printer.