WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- A local group of 3D printer owners is working together to make masks for essential employees in the area.
Chad Lemmens is a local business owner and 3D printer hobbyist. When he saw a group from Texas had posted a spec for 3D printer ventilator masks and face shields, he knew that it'd be something he wanted to bring to Central Wisconsin.
From there Lemmens reached out to friends of his in the area who also own 3D printers to see if they would be interested in making the masks. Everyone Lemmens talked to was on board with making the masks, which take around 5 hours to print on a 3D printer.
While the masks don't quiet meet federal standards for health care workers, Lemmens says the masks would be good for other essential workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. "I definitely want to look at the people that have to go outside, have to do a job.
"Like a grocery store, where they might be able to find value in these because they're out in it anyway without masks. They at least might now have the option of having a mask. Or other assisted living facilities that may not have the OSHA requirements."
The masks will help those who need to be out during the public health emergency, but won't keep people completely safe from COVID-19. Lemmens explains how the masks are made by the printers.
"They're going to have a mask that covers the face obviously and the nose. And there is going to be a vent on the front of it which includes a cap. And then I bought some HEPA filters which we're going to cut to the size of that front opening. And that then attaches so that it filters the air as it comes in. We also have non-latex straps to attach to the mask so you can put it on."
Currently, there are between 10 to 15 masks printed with 4 to 5 other people looking to make their own 3D printed masks. Lemmens said the group is currently gaging how many masks will be needed before giving them to essential workers, as the project is in its early stages.