You might have heard about the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortage of masks and face shields due to COVID-19. And while many large companies have stepped up to produce additional N-95 Masks, if you’re a maker or engineer, you’re probably itching to get involved. (If you haven’t done so already.)
For those of you with a 3D printer just collecting dust and want to help by 3D printing face masks and shields, then this guide is for you.
Popular 3D Printed Face Masks and Shields in One Place
There is a lot of information, drawings, designs, and organizations out there trying to solve the mask and face shield shortage. And, honestly, it’s very confusing if you’re not “leading the pack” in these initiatives.
I’m a member of a few of these “maker” groups aimed at 3D printing face masks and face shields; however, because of the influx of new members, and a very new organization structure, trying to figure out how to help and what to do is very confusing.
To top it off, designs are always changing and the advice floating around is a mixed bag. Depending on who you ask, the effectiveness of masks or face shields varies by day and person-to-person.
Regardless of what you believe about the Coronavirus, I wanted to create a summary and collection of all of the 3D printed face masks and face shields I’ve seen floating across the inter-webs.
Think of this as a collection of parts that you can print or use as a reference guide within your local, national, or even global efforts. I’ve included approximate print times, material costs (based on $0.05/g), and minimum 3D printer bed size.
That way, you can spend less time trying to figure out what to 3D print and how to print it, and more time making PPE that will help save lives.
Help, but Realize & Understand the Risks
As with any sort of initiative, I have to provide a legal disclaimer. And as much as everyone has good intentions, please know that any 3D printed parts you make are at your own risk and may not fully protect you from COVID-19.
In more legal talk: The 3D printed mask and face shield information presented here is intended to assist the general public during the current global pandemic related to COVID-19 and the related nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment.
Please be aware that mask and face shield designs are not intended to replace standard protective equipment such as N-95 masks or surgical masks when that equipment is available.
The use of these 3D printed masks or face shields have not been fully tested and has not been approved by federal or state authorities. Learn Robotics and anyone associated with www.learnrobotics.org, assume no liability and make no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the safety, efficacy, or appropriate use of these masks in any particular situation.
Each person and facility should test each batch of masks before relying on them for protection. The use of this information for any purpose is at the maker’s and the user’s own risk.
COVID Pandemic Mask
This is a popular redesign of a 3D printed face mask by a doctor who loves 3D printing. The improved design has added reinforcement and multiple sizes.
According to the Thingiverse page, the goal is to “use these masks as a last resort if you run out of regular masks.”
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | None |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.2 |
| Infill % | 20% |
| Filament | PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh:mm) | 04:00 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 150×150 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $1.00 |
You can learn more about this design on Thingiverse.
COVID-19 MASK (Easy-to-print, no support, filter required)
This is a three-part face mask that claims it’s easy to print and doesn’t require supports. The COVID-19 MASK uses a P3 Particle Filter.
| Rafts | Doesn’t Matter |
| Supports | No |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.25 |
| Infill % | 40-80 |
| Filament | PLA, PETG |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh:mm) | 05:15 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 150×150 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $4.30 |
You can learn more about this design on Thingiverse.
Montana Mask by Make the Mask
The Montana Mask is a high-efficiency filtration mask created in Montana by two doctors and a scientist. It’s 3D printable and you can get the files directly through the Make the Mask website.
This mask isn’t approved by the FDA or NIOSH, but it has gone through rigorous testing according to their website.
| Rafts | No |
| Supports | No |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.25 |
| Infill % | 20 |
| Filament | PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh:mm) | 03:00 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 150×150 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $3.25 |
You can learn more about this design on Make the Masks.
NanoHack by Copper3D
The NanoHack was inspired by the N-95 mask to help Healthcare personnel at the forefront of fighting Coronavirus.
Their website mentions that the current design isn’t a final product and that they are collaborating with the community to improve the design.
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | None |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.3 |
| Infill % | 20% |
| Filament | PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh: mm) | 02:00 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 200×200 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $2.00 |
You can learn more about this design on the Copper3D website.
Prusa Protective Face Shield – RC1, RC2, RC3
Prusa was one of the first companies to release drawings for a Protective Face Shield specifically for the Coronavirus. The first version, RC1, is a lot smaller and can be printed on a smaller 3D printer (150mmx150mm).
The RC2 version provides lower compression on the temple and can accommodate bigger respirators and protective goggles. RC2 provides slightly better protection and is more comfortable to wear.
RC3, the current version has been optimized for faster printing and the option to run 4 headbands stacked on top of each other. This is great if you plan on running prints overnight.
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | None |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.2 |
| Infill % | 30% |
| Filament | PETG |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh: mm) | 02:30 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 200×200 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $2.45 |
You can learn more about this design on Prusa’s website. Additionally, you can discover community groups using their discover community page.
Covid 19 Disposable Face Shield P3dP Nano
This face shield by Precision 3D Printing is a fast-print, low cost, disposable option. The printing time is a fast 40 minutes and it costs less than $1 to make using PETG or PLA.
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | Not Necessary |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.2 |
| Infill % | 30 |
| Filament | PETG > PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh: mm) | 00:45 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 200×200 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $0.75 |
You can learn more about this design on Thingiverse.
Protective Visor by 3DVerkstan
Because of the urgent need for PPE and face shields, 3DVerkstan developed a simplistic 3D printable visor. There are 3 versions for Sweden, Europe, and North America.
They also have a comprehensive 3D printer guide to help you slice the file correctly using Cura. You only need a sheet of transparent plastic, a hole punch, and a rubber band in addition to the 3D printed face shield visor.
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | Not Necessary |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.25 |
| Infill % | 0 |
| Filament | PETG > PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh: mm) | 00:21 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 210×210 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $0.75 |
You can learn more about this design on YouMagine.
3D Face Shield V3 by Budmen Industries
Budmen Industries designed a 3D Face Shield to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, you can register to produce face shields and they’ll connect you with first-responders, doctors, and nurses in their network of health care facilities.
| Rafts | None |
| Supports | None |
| Resolution (mm) | 0.3 |
| Infill % | 10% |
| Filament | PETG, PLA |
| Approx. Time to Print (hh: mm) | 01:20 |
| Min Print Bed Size (mm) | 200×200 |
| Approx. Material Cost | $1.40 |
You can learn more about this design on Budmen’s website.
Face Masks and Face Shields that don’t involve 3D Printing
While this is an article to help 3D printing efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic, I did want to mention a couple of alternative face shield designs that don’t require a 3D printer.
Bauer Face Shield: This face shield uses a clear PET film, elastic band, double-sided 3M tape, and a nylon washer. You can learn more about the Bauer Face Shield for the COVID-19 pandemic, here.
DIY PPE Face Shield: This face shield doesn’t require a 3D printer and is very straightforward to make. All you need are some plastic hanger straps, cable ties, hair elastics, and clear acetate sheets. More details can be found here.
Add your 3D Printed Face Mask or Face Shield to the list
Additionally, if you’re working with an organization and you don’t see your design (or you notice a rev-change), please let me know.
Leave a comment with a brief description of the part, link to the online STLs, and 3D printer settings. I will do my best to keep this post updated so that everyone has the most up-to-date information.
I will be printing the COVID Pandemic Mask for my community in SW Florida.
If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can support me and the efforts of 3D printing face masks here.
Other Awesome Community Organizations Groups to Check Out:
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