This
prototype mask, printed at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology,
includes a space for a filter that can be inserted and disposed of after use.
This first prototype is leading to new designs that can be mass produced to
meet the huge need for masks in the healthcare community.
UPDATE: In an effort to help
local healthcare providers overcome a global shortage of personal protective
equipment (PPE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, South
Dakota School of Mines & Technology is working to design masks that can
be used by the local community.
The project began following a meeting between Mines alumnus Brad Haupt, Vice
President of Supply Chain and Contract Management at Monument Health, Mines
President Jim Rankin and others on Saturday, March 21. Haupt expressed a
concern over the long-term shortage of masks at Monument Health, especially in
light of the COVID-19 outbreak. President Rankin offered Mines resources to
help.
The effort, which quickly ramped up, currently includes faculty and students
in the South Dakota Mines departments of industrial, mechanical, chemical,
biological and biomedical engineering as well as chemistry, biology and health
sciences. The departments began by 3D printing prototypes. Those prototypes
have led to new designs and collaboration that can lead to eventual mass manufacturing.
The mask now in design at Mines was first inspired by a 3D printed mask developed
in Montana in mid-March. That design was shared with the public though the Billings Clinic Foundation.
A YouTube
video from KTVQ news shows more.
Mines faculty took the design and will continue working with officials at
Monument Health to ensure the masks will provide proper protection. Mines
faculty are also working with area manufactures to possibly mass produce any
approved designs.
Science and engineering involve a process of trial and error, and this
effort is evolving quickly. Those with
questions or a willingness to help can reach the university at mediarelations@sdsmt.edu.
Monument Health is also seeking PPE from any other members of the local
community who may have extra on hand. Read
more here.