Help Provide N95 Mask Shields to Local Hospitals
Donation protected
As I'm sure we are all aware, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is in short supply across the nation due to the novel COVID-19 virus. Hospitals are running out of PPE and being asked to ration or extend PPE beyond its normal lifecycle. This includes gloves, masks, etc.
This is a unique opportunity as we are mass-producing these shields using a CO2 Laser. We are able to produce over 1,000 per day and give them to our first responders and hospital workers at NO COST!
HISTORY: A group of 3D printing enthusiasts got together and designed a 3D printable face mask shield for use with N95 masks. These N95 masks are used by healthcare professionals and first responders to protect them from airborne bacteria and viruses. The shields go over the mask to prolong its life by up to 300%. Some workers are being asked to wear the masks for up to 5 days!
INNOVATION: Each 3D printed mask takes from 38-52 minutes to print. I thought if I could laser cut something, it would be a lot quicker. The challenge was finding a compatible material. I identified a material (polypropylene) that is used in such things as flexible chopping boards. This material is similar in thickness, food-safe, BPA free, and can be washed and sanitized with bleach. A test cut was done on a sheet of polypropylene and it was a success! Time to produce 1 mask shield went from 38-50 minutes down to 24 seconds! In one day, I was able to produce over 400 shields. These shields were then delivered to hospitals across the Chicagoland area. Some of these hospitals include Christ, Olympia Fields, Little Company of Mary, Loyola, and Silver Cross.
WHY FUNDRAISING? Now that we can mass-produce these shields, the cost of the material is the only concern. I purchased the first $300 worth out of my own pocket to get this started. This is enough for about 2,300 masks (in material) I have other laser owners who are willing to help out so we can get as many of these out to hospitals, first responders, etc. at NO COST. Shipping is also covered where shipping is required.
With a donation as small as only $10, you can help us provide over 80 shields! Any monies received over the goal will go toward more shields. After that, they will go to offset the cost of running these huge machines. The lasers that are doing the cutting require an air compressor, water chiller, exhaust fan, etc. We have reached out to the store where we are procuring the raw material, however, they are unwilling to donate at this time and have a long list of red-tape items. For example, they only take donation requests via US mail and only meet once per month. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time as this virus spreads.
Thank you for your support!
This is a unique opportunity as we are mass-producing these shields using a CO2 Laser. We are able to produce over 1,000 per day and give them to our first responders and hospital workers at NO COST!
HISTORY: A group of 3D printing enthusiasts got together and designed a 3D printable face mask shield for use with N95 masks. These N95 masks are used by healthcare professionals and first responders to protect them from airborne bacteria and viruses. The shields go over the mask to prolong its life by up to 300%. Some workers are being asked to wear the masks for up to 5 days!
INNOVATION: Each 3D printed mask takes from 38-52 minutes to print. I thought if I could laser cut something, it would be a lot quicker. The challenge was finding a compatible material. I identified a material (polypropylene) that is used in such things as flexible chopping boards. This material is similar in thickness, food-safe, BPA free, and can be washed and sanitized with bleach. A test cut was done on a sheet of polypropylene and it was a success! Time to produce 1 mask shield went from 38-50 minutes down to 24 seconds! In one day, I was able to produce over 400 shields. These shields were then delivered to hospitals across the Chicagoland area. Some of these hospitals include Christ, Olympia Fields, Little Company of Mary, Loyola, and Silver Cross.
WHY FUNDRAISING? Now that we can mass-produce these shields, the cost of the material is the only concern. I purchased the first $300 worth out of my own pocket to get this started. This is enough for about 2,300 masks (in material) I have other laser owners who are willing to help out so we can get as many of these out to hospitals, first responders, etc. at NO COST. Shipping is also covered where shipping is required.
With a donation as small as only $10, you can help us provide over 80 shields! Any monies received over the goal will go toward more shields. After that, they will go to offset the cost of running these huge machines. The lasers that are doing the cutting require an air compressor, water chiller, exhaust fan, etc. We have reached out to the store where we are procuring the raw material, however, they are unwilling to donate at this time and have a long list of red-tape items. For example, they only take donation requests via US mail and only meet once per month. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time as this virus spreads.
Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Ric Allen
Organizer
Manhattan, IL
