CM University making 3D-printed face-mask ‘enhancers’

By THE NATION

 

 

Chiang Mai University is manufacturing 3D-printed face-mask “enhancers” for medical staff to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.

 

The university’s Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEi) has announced that it has designed a face-mask enhancer, a specialised apparatus that can help snap a sanitary face mask to a wearer’s face and reduce the open space through which viruses and germs can enter.

 

“The BMEi face-mask enhancer will help increase safety for medical staff, who have to be in close contact with infected patients for long hours,” said the institute. “It is made of plastic from 3D printing and will come in three sizes – S, M and L – to suit the wearer’s face structure.”

 

In the early stage the institute will manufacture the enhancers in limited numbers for medical staff at selected hospitals before letting private manufacturers produce them in high volume for the general public.

 

“At present we still have not perfected the mass production technique and therefore have to make it one by one from the printer, resulting in slow manufacturing and high cost,” said the BMEi.

 

The institute had previously designed a reusable face shield for health workers and the public with the aim to reduce waste, which it predicted would lead to a serious environmental impact after the Covid-19 situation returns to normal.

 

For more information on the product, you can visit: http://bmei.cmu.ac.th/read.php?id=119

 

Source: nationthailand.com/edandtech/30386833

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-04-27

 

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Idea is good, but is the fabric of those masks effective even if glued to the face?

 

Didn't find it in thingiverse, they should upload it.

Shouldn't they just distribute more expensive masks to the staff?

Very good, mass produce for 5 baht and give away to the public. Quarantine the face 24/7 then the virus will not spread within families or anywhere else and let the people free. Quarantine the body is not necessary if the face is isolated.

"a sanitary face mask " ----- must be my mind. I must get out more. Oh, that's right, I can't.

It is actually a good idea. Makes the standard surgical mask a little better. Still no where as good as a N95 or KN95 mask and should not be used in a Covid Hospital though

These are only about $30. If you need to wear it all everyday it is the best. You can remove it without touching the filters.

Wow. This must be the epitome of modern engineering since the invention of condom.  

Unless the mask is an N95, other masks do not stop the virus entering or exiting. That's been proven. Stop pissing about and get proper masks and <deleted> start testing masses of the population to real the real figures on infection.