3D printed homemade N95 masks for the US military: good ideas, but too inefficient

The new crown epidemic is raging in the United States, making masks a scarce resource. According to foreign media reports, the U.S. military has also used their ingenuity and started making masks.Used by the 388th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force3D printingThe machine made a self-made N95 mask. Although this idea is good, it is a pity that the production efficiency is not high. Only 4 masks were made in 45 hours…

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U.S. military3D printingHomemade N95 mask

According to the news released by the U.S. Air Force’s 388th Fighter Wing on April 7, since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia in Utah, where the unit is deployed, the U.S. Air Force Base has been doing its best to protect itself. It is not relying on the outside to provide protective materials, because medical workers and first responders need these anti-epidemic materials more.

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U.S. military3D printingHomemade N95 mask

According to reports, the force used3D printingTechnology to make N95 masks.They are3D printingThe machine uses a synthetic material (nylon, plastic and carbon fiber) to make masks. Each mask is composed of 3 independently printed parts, which are the main body of the mask, the internal grid, and the outer cover where the filter material is placed.

This N95 mask can be used repeatedly and can be disinfected with alcohol. The filter element is cut from the filter material of the household air purifier. The rope that fixes the mask on the face is elastic, and the inner edge of the mask is sealed. The strip can guarantee the sealing performance.

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U.S. military3D printingHomemade N95 mask

But use3D printingThe efficiency of technology manufacturing masks is not too high. Brett House, a pilot of the fighter wing, said: “It currently takes 45 hours to make 4 masks.3D printingThe machine is operating 24 hours a day. “The fighter aircraft maintenance department has received dozens of orders for masks, which cannot be demanded at the current rate. It is not right and is looking for other alternatives.

Commander Colonel Michael Myers said: “We are also considering sewing less complicated fabric masks and publicly purchasing them from the market, but we are very excited about our ability to produce masks.”

(Editor in charge: admin)