NanoHack, an open-source 3D printed mask against Covid-19

Naomi Wu, from Shenzen, who&#x27;s made many 3D-printed wearables, says that 3D printing masks doesn&#x27;t work. Not flexible enough and can&#x27;t get a good air seal.[1]<p>Face shields for medical workers, though - those 3D print just fine.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;twitter.com&#x2F;RealSexyCyborg" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;twitter.com&#x2F;RealSexyCyborg</a>

More info here: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;copper3d.com&#x2F;hackthepandemic&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;copper3d.com&#x2F;hackthepandemic&#x2F;</a><p>They suggest heating it up (to soften the plastic) and pressing it against your face to ensure a good fit. Seems unlikely that this would actually result in a perfect fit, but at least it&#x27;s better than nothing.<p>Also, the claim that it&#x27;s an &quot;open-source&quot; mask is somewhat soured by the fact that they appear to have patented it.

I realize this is a best effort kind of thing so maybe these questions aren&#x27;t in the scope but:<p>1. Is the intention that the mask be disinfected after wearing it?<p>2. In assembly instruction #5, it says &quot;If you use a filter...&quot;. Why would someone use this without a filter?<p>3. Is there an advantage to this over buying a cartridge type construction mask?

I could print some of these, but where would I get the circular inserts?<p>Also it would be great if this could be modified to be broken down into smaller pieces, as it stands I don’t think it would fit on most home 3D printer beds.

To let air pass the filter easier, bigger surface is encouraged - bigger area, for the same pressure difference less flow per unit area. Why not to have two circular filters, on each side of the mask?

I was tried to get this filament, it is not available in USA anywhere.

Honestly, this looks like profiteering in a crisis to help sell their filters as this doesn’t accept the industry standard sized filters made by 3M, et al.

The article says it is printed with a layer height of 2.5mm. There&#x27;s no way it would work at such a high height. They probably meant .25mm.

How was it tested?