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NanoHack, an open-source 3D printed mask against COVID-19

Published on March 19, 2020 by Carlota V.
mask against covid-19

*This device has not been certified. Before you begin 3D printing this medical device, you should check with industry professionals what material to use, what measures and precautions to take, etc. Medical validation is required before using this mask. 

The manufacturer of 3D printing materials Copper3D has just put online an open-source STL file of a N95 mask, which can be 3D printed and used against the COVID-19 virus. Its Hack The Pandemic initiative is global and aims to mobilize all manufacturers of machines, fablabs, printing services, etc. to create these masks quickly – the lack of which is a burden for hospitals and healthcare professionals. For some, it is difficult to be entirely reassured about the effectiveness of the mask called NanoHack, however, the company claims that many scientists are behind this project and that a patent application has been filed. Copper3D is a new player in the medical field, nevertheless the various products it has developed, including its antibacterial materials based on copper nanoparticles, do suggest that its solutions are effective.

Of course, there is a lot of talk about the N95 mask at the moment. It is designed to provide respiratory protection for its wearer, with a filtration efficiency level of 95% against particles present in the air. It would therefore allow to reduce the risks of contamination in the current context, and it is more effective than disposable masks (also short in supply). Additive manufacturing could help to cope with this shortage, however, beware, a 3D printed mask is likely to be less effective than a traditionally designed mask. But in the face of emergency, it is a viable alternative.

mask against covid-19

The different parts of the mask | Credits: Copper3D

NanoHack, an open-source mask against COVID-19

The mask imagined by Copper3D should be antiviral, reusable, modular, washable, recyclable, and affordable. A traditional mask must be thrown away after some time (about 8 hours according to the Chilean company). The manufacturer immediately put the corresponding STL file online so that as many people as possible could print it and offer it to those in need. It also registered a patent.

Daniel Martinez, Innovation Director of Copper3D explains: “The current virus has caused a breakdown in distribution chains around the world. We know that 3D printing can help, but it still takes time – typically it takes about 2 hours to print these masks so it forced us to think collaboratively. We needed a distributed manufacturing concept, with networks of 3D printers running 24/7 to make a large quantity of masks in a short period of time. That’s why we decided to coordinate a global network of startups, manufacturers, universities and partner companies to help us print these masks.

mask against covid-19

The mask integrates a modular filtration system | Credits: Copper3D

According to Copper3D, NanoHack incorporates a scalable filtration system that uses a copper nanocomposite that has been proven to broadly inactivate viruses. This system would include several layers of different geometries to ensure effective filtration of fine particles. The mask is to be printed in several parts and then assembled; the company gives clear instructions on its site.

Other initiatives around the world

You can find on the Cults platform a STL file to print its protection mask against COVID-19. It can be 3D printed in PLA and with a layer thickness of 2.5 mm. Keep in mind that it cannot be guaranteed that it will be completely efficient.

Finally, you should know that the European Commission has made an urgent request for more masks and fans for breathing apparatus. Mobility Goes Additive acts as an intermediary between the players in the additive manufacturing industry who could design these parts and the commission. Do not hesitate to send them all your ideas!

The 13 comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

  1. Avi Schwartz says:

    It looks like some information is missing or I am confused. Say we print these masks in PLA, where do we get the actual filters? It would be useless without them, wouldn’t it?

  2. Hi the link to the STL file is timing out. I think that the number of people trying to access it is overwhelming the server. Would you be able to email me a copy of the file?

    https://copper3d.com/hackthepandemic/

  3. seth says:

    Wait. Layer thickness of 2.5 mm. Does that mean:

    1) Top layer needs to be 2.5
    2) Bottom and top layer need to be 2.5
    3) combined top and bottom layer need to be 2.5

  4. Oswald lieberwerth says:

    How can I the filtration system. I have a 3D printer. But without the filter?
    Regards Oswald.

  5. Howard Weinstein says:

    Where do I get nanocoposite filters?

  6. Mark says:

    Has anybody thought about Melton the outside of the Mask? To seal it off so you’re only breathing through the filter? I was thinking something like an iron?

  7. D Barrie says:

    can you recommend a reasonably priced 3d printer that can make these masks?

    1. Nick says:

      I use the ender 3 pro its super affordable and prints well

  8. Bob says:

    NanoHack, an open-source 3D printed mask. Is there a way to print this as one to help with all the needed heat/bend/mold/glue?

    I printed a couple and tried to give them to a couple nurses and they said that would be to difficult to utilize them. To much extra work to make workable. If only has to heat and mold would be ideal.

    I really like this because the cotton rounds are widely available over anything else these days.

    If the bottom layer was already in place then heat and bend nose area and around face would be easier by just tossing in microwave to soften and mold against face. The folks need to have a very quick way to utilize mask.

    Thanks for any help in this.

  9. Milos says:

    We made easy to make at home face shield. Whole open source technical documentation and instructions are available at: https://protors.co/masksforall/

  10. Prem Mani says:

    Greetings Team,
    On clicking on the “STL file online” I am taken to a 404 page not found error. Will be grateful if you could send me the CAD file or the file to print this mask on a 3D printer. Thank you.

  11. Conrad says:

    The Mask in the article is different to the mask in the link. Have you got an stl for the one in the article? The flat pack one?

  12. Mark says:

    For those who are wondering how to get the filter material, the company that designed this mask also sells a PLA material which is antibacterial called Plactive AN1, the material is a nanocomposite material so basically you print the mask, filter and cap all on this material and you will have the filter also made, if you use regular PLA the mask is only a decorative thing.

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