3D Printed Respirator Face Mask V2 - 100% Silicone Seal

How to make a respirator with a Food-Safe 100% Silicone seal for about $2.75 in materials. This is a one size fits all approach. The seal is just about as perfect as I can imagine. Comfort is also fantastic. Start to finish I explain the whole process in 7 minutes and 12 seconds. Enjoy.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON DIY RESPIRATORS:
WARNING! Some HVAC air filters may contain Fiberglass! Do not use fiberglass based materials for breathing devices! It can be very difficult to determine what these filters are made of and some may be a small percentage fiberglass. Use extreme caution when making any type of breathing device! Emailing the manufacturer may be the only way to find out what the filter is made out of.

There are lots of materials that can be loaded into this and other 3D printed mask designs. According to "tests at Missouri University and University of Virginia, scientists found that vacuum bags removed between 60 percent and 87 percent of particles." This article also mentions "A 600 thread count pillow case captured just 22 percent of particles when doubled, but four layers captured nearly 60 percent." This may indicate that a double layer of a MERV 12 filter (or lesser rated filters) may have much better filtration performance than just a single layer. ALSO "The problem with air filters is that they potentially could shed small fibers that would be risky to inhale. So if you want to use a filter, you need to sandwich the filter between two layers of cotton fabric." Good advice! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/well/live/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html

It appears many 3D printed masks do not have enough filter surface area and negate the manufacturer filtration ratings and can actually lead to CO2 build up in the mask cavity and in your body. This particular design appears to have enough surface area to function without these issues. However, keep this in mind and if you choose to wear a device like this REMOVE IT if you feel light headed, dizzy, headache, confusion, etc. (Carbon Dioxide Poisoning) and NEVER wear a mask while sleeping.

If anyone has concerns about this device or any device like it, feel free to voice your concerns in the comments!

Read this! I am in no way able to adequately scientifically test the device I design in this video and can make no claims as to its functionality. Downloadable materials are for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you print and wear one of these in any situation you will be doing so at your own risk! All brands, companies, programs, logos, etc used in this video are for illustrative purposes only and do not indicate endorsement of this video by the any of those named. I want to help with the current situation any way that I can but I'm not a doctor or a scientist. Please be understanding.
SHOPPING LIST:
Dritz Braided Elastic Band 1/2" - Black (appears to be sold out in most places)
100% Silicone Kitchen and Bath Caulk (Any brand. Food Safe is Best)
Petroleum Jelly "Mold Release" (Any brand)
Screws and Nuts (4x) - Imperial: 8-32 x 5/8 Metric M3 x 16
Printer Plastic (Any is fine. I used PETG)
PART FILES:
Let me know if there are any issues or improvements that can be made. If its to large or small, try scaling the parts up or down a few percent. All parts must be scales by the same amount.
PRINT AT YOUR OWN RISK!
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4292905
OR
https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-013981

BUILD NOTES and KNOWN ISSUES:
The caulk application on the mask side needs to be thin (depth wise - 1/16" is ideal)(1.5mm) in the nose area and a bit thicker at the other edges (1/8" is ideal)(3mm).

As I mentioned in the video, you need a perfect amount of mold release. If there is to little the silicone can tear on extraction. If there is too much it can mix with the Silicone.

Curing Silicone Caulk can be time consuming. If its cool and dry then it may take up to 48hrs or more to cure. To speed up the cure high humidity and warm temperatures are best. I put a wet paper towel in the cavity in the center of the mold and this seemed to help speed up the cure process. Be sure not to get water directly on the silicone until it forms a skin.

Microcracks (tiny holes) in printed plastic parts can potentially create a pathway for pathogens to pass through the plastic structure of the mask. This is a known issue and one that you should be aware of.

The silicone seal can separate from the plastic and form an area where bacteria can hide out. Be aware of this possibility and throw away damaged masks. Also remember to always sanitize any reusable PPE thoroughly and frequently! For this reason it is also recommended that you replace your filter media regularly (daily) as well.

I'm now on Patreon!!! The reward levels are very basic for the time being but I promise to bring merch and other perks in the near future.
https://www.patreon.com/the3dhandyman

Видео 3D Printed Respirator Face Mask V2 - 100% Silicone Seal канала The 3D Handyman