Makers Fighting COVID-19


By Michele McNeilly

  With the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been cases of fear, isolation and devastation that we watch every night on the news.  But out of this pandemic we have seen stories of courage, strength and generosity that have emerged from all points around the world.  We see our First Responders and Medical Professionals battling everyday to help those affected by this virus, risking their personal health to help others get better, to live and to thrive.  Our essential workers in the food and grocery industry work their day to day jobs stocking shelves, getting food to our families to make sure no one is left in hunger.  But this is also a time for Makers to offer their aide in the battle.

  In the last few weeks there has been a global effort for anyone with a sewing machine or 3D printer to offer their services for local hospitals and healthcare facilities by making essential personal protective equipment (PPE). PPEs are clothing, helmets, masks, googles and other equipment that are specifically designed to protect a person from serious injury or the spread of infections. The PPE acts as a physical barrier from the danger to the person wearing the PPE item.  With COVID-19 the PPE that are commonly worn/needed include:
  • Face Mask
  • Face Shield
  • Medical Gowns/Aprons
  • Hair Bonnets
  • Gloves
  • Shoe Coverings 
  In the Coachella Valley, CREATE Center for the Arts, a non-profit charitable Arts program in Palm Dessert, California, has started a campaign for locals Makers with access to 3D printers to help by printing a face shield file that will be used by doctors, nurses and other health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are also helping to bring in other donations to purchase other types of PPEs along with additional 3D printers so more fav shields can be made.

  If you are interested in 3D printing PPEs for your local hospital or medical offices, make sure you check with your local organization or hospital representative as to what print files will be accepted.  While there are now thousands of model files on the internet, not all are approved for use by medical professionals.  You will also need to make sure you are using the correct filament.  While PLA and ABS are commonly used in the additive manufacturing community, they are not always easy to sanitize or offer flexibility without being too brittle.  What most organizations are asking be use is a filament called PETG.  This is a strong, high temperature resistant plastic that is strong, similar to ABS, but flexible as PLA while being able to sanitize.

 PETG available to purchase. 
(Please note that shipping may take time as Makers are purchasing quite a lot of this filament)

Matterhackers.com: 1.75 PET/PETG
AtomicFilament.com: 1.75 PETG (Light Grey has priority shipment)
3DXTech.com: 1.75 PETG
Walmart.com: 1.75 PETG

  If you don't have a 3D Printer, but can sew, there is a huge need for not just face masks, but gowns and bonnets as well. Several craft stores, such as Michaels, Joann Fabrics and Crafts and Hobby Lobby all have instructional videos on how to make different types of face masks with links to product used.  Using fabric or even old shirts, you can repurpose the material into PPE fairly quickly. Also if you are unable to find a specific size of elastic, you can improvise with headbands, hair elastics or rubber bands. It is important that your face mask covers not just your mouth but also your nose.  You also want to make sure that you can breath through the materials and wash after every use. Follow the CDC guidelines to make sure your mask is being properly used.

Supplies for Face Masks

Walmart: Pre-cut fabric, interfacing, elastic, ribbon, pipe cleaners, bias tape, pins, thread, sewing machines, sewing needles (In-person and Online)
Joann Fabric and Crafts: fabric by yard, interfacing, elastic, thread, sewing machines, bias tape, pipe cleaners, pins, sewing needles (online)
Michaels: ribbon, pins, thread, sewing machines, sewing needles, pipe cleaners, bandannas, fabric squares (online)
Etsy: fold-over elastic, elastic, fabric, thread, interfacing
Amazon: fold-over elastic, elastic, fabric, thread, interfacing, sewing machines, pipe cleaners, sewing needles, bias tape (online, some shipping delays)


  Some other items Makers have started creating are ways to make PPE still protective, but more comfortable for all day use.  As not every person is the same size, face masks might be a little tight or too loose. They might put too much pressure on the ears or even slide off if not fit correctly.  To help fix these issues, Makers have designed straps that can keep a mask in place and comfortable.  Recently, the Creation Station printed over 200 straps for Police, Fire and First Responders in Riverside and the Inland Empire. There are all shapes and sizes of straps, to choose from, or by using a CAD programs like TinkerCAD, you can create your own design. Just remember that when you are done wearing your mask, make sure to clean your strap along with your mask in order to keep it sanitized.

  It is truly inspiring to see Makers everywhere come together and do something for the good of the world.  This is an opportunity for us to still be creative, and even share our knowledge with family members.  Making PPEs can be a way to incorporate a STEAM lesson for school or to bond with you community while staying inside.

If you have made or designed any PPEs like face masks or shields, please send us your photos and stories. 

Instagram: @LQCreationStation
Twitter: @LQCSMakers




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