Hack the Hack

thingiverse

Hack the Hack! I took on the challenge of creating my own "Hack the Pandemic" mask from COPPER3D and was not impressed with the airflow. So, I designed my own from scratch, taking inspiration from their design but with a fresh approach. If you're reading this, COPPER3D, I hope you like it! To make this mask, print 1 flat piece, 2 caps, and 3 spacers. Don't use a raft, as all parts can be printed without support due to their angled designs. Print the caps upside down for added ease. Note: These are not instructions, but rather my personal experience with creating this mask. I won't tell you how to handle hot melted plastic on your face - that's just common sense! To shape the flat piece into a comfortable fit, use a hair dryer to heat it up and conform it to your face. Be extremely cautious when handling heated plastic near your face. Here's my molding process: - Heat the middle of the flat, along the nose, and bend it into a 90-degree V. - Curl the edges of the chin piece for easier welding or gluing. - Heat just the area attaching the chin and bend it up. This is a tight bend, so do it in stages, reheating slightly each time. - Glue/weld the tabs to the inside of the mask (make sure it's fully cooled and the glue is dry to avoid toxic fumes). - Shape the rest of the mask to your face in small sections. Voila! You now have a functional mask. Keep in mind that this design is not certified, so you're responsible for its safety and performance. Notes: ---Check the corners to ensure they're air-tight--- I discovered that while shaping the filters, they tended to squish against my cheeks, reducing airflow. To prevent this, I held them in place while shaping the edges to my face. The nose and chin areas were tricky to shape. I pused from the inside to enlarge the nose area, let it cool, then reshaped the top edge to fit my nose. Next, I did the same for the chin. Pay attention to the top edge of the mask, as it affects where it sits on your face - cheekbones matter! This design can accommodate 3 layers of filtration. I used cut-out circles from an N95 mask and placed a thin layer on top and bottom to catch moisture and larger debris, preserving the middle layer's effectiveness. For straps, I use non-elastic velcro for the bottom one around my neck and lightweight elastic on top. I applied silicone to the top strap to keep it secure on my head. Upgrades from the "Hack the Pandemic" model: * Added a second filter for increased airflow * Changed the grid pattern to circles for improved airflow * Enlarged the holes in the spacer, as it's only for pressure * Lengthened the spacer to accommodate a third filtration layer without extending the filter tube * Added more supports for easier bending * Included texture on the filter cap for easier removal * Revised the threading for better performance * Redesigned the model to print without supports * Split the strap slots for added security * Added a handle to the front center for easy adjustment