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NIH3D

Vacuum Formed Stopgap Face Mask

Created by
akitt@ewi.org
Created:
4/22/20
Submitted:
3/6/23
Published:
3/6/23

Select an image below to view

3DPX-013977

Licensing:

CC-BY
159
2
Version 2

Category

Hardware & Devices
Devices and Hardware

Collection(s)

Approved Use

Prototype
Prototype
Description

This face mask was designed to be rapidly scalable and to provide a comfortable fit to the face. It has the potential to function as a stopgap face mask for medical practitioners or for public use. It has not undergone medical validation.

 

As assembled mask consists of two mask shells with a filter sandwiched between them. N95 filter material is recommended. Elastic bands are used to secure the mask to the head and a closed cell sponge is used around the nose to add comfort.

 

Mask shell are manufactured by vacuum forming thin (0.030”) flexible material (LDPE). The vacuum forming process can scale rapidly: A single production vacuum forming system can manufacture 1,000 mask shells in four hours at less than $0.50 per shell. Additionally, using thin, flexible materials provides the compliance for a comfortable fit to the face.

 

Prototypes were manufactured using additively manufactured vacuum forming molds.

 

Bill of Materials and Manufacturing Instructions are included in the supplemental documents.

Profile View of Mask
Front View of Mask