Dusty Richardson, MD, a neurosurgeon at Billings (Mont.) Clinic and dentist Spencer Zaugg, DDS, have developed a durable, reusable plastic mask using 3D printer technology.
The 3D printer can be used to develop masks amid the nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment. Four things to know:
1. The 3D-printed mask has snap-in filtration material that can be changed out when needed.
2. The 3D printing company, Flowmark/Hitech Filters, headquartered in Billings, aims to provide 20,000 pieces of filtration materials to supplement existing masks.
3. The partners then aim to activate all 3D printers to produce those masks.
4. The Billings Clinic Foundation is asking for financial support of the project through its Innovation fund.