MICDS Student 3D Prints Masks for Covid-19 Effort

Lucas McCarty '21 3D prints reusable masks to be donated to healthcare workers

MICDS Student Lucas McCarty Prints 3D Masks

The MICDS Community Service Committee has been on the lookout for acts of generosity and compassion during this pandemic and was ecstatic to find Lucas McCarty, class of 2021, designing masks to support the Covid-19 effort in keeping people safe. The Community Service Committee hopes to exploit these acts of kindness to spread positivity and a reminder to think of others well-being even when separated. In this interview we asked him about the design process, the goal behind this project, and use of the mask.

He states, "currently, I am still working to perfect my design and filter holder system. I'm getting close to a mask good enough for use. I'm hoping that once I get through prototyping, I can start producing these masks for those who need them. My hope is to make a bunch, and then donate some to healthcare workers in my neighborhood. I'm still working on getting in touch with people," (McCarty '21).

How to Use the Mask

In explaining the usability of the mask, Lucas states, "you only need to exchange the filter once you notice it becomes harder to breathe. That indicates that the filter is done. For sporadic use, you need to replace the filter every 1-2 weeks. For continuous use, the filters last roughly a day," (McCarty 21').

The Creation Process

When Lucas began making the masks, he used a mask model from the internet but designed the filter system on his own. However, his current version and more recent prototypes of the reusable masks system are all completely of his own design.

The filters he buys from Amazon. According to Lucas, "Surprisingly, it's pretty easy to get a hold of filter material right now. These are PM 2.5 filters. I don't believe it is recommended to reuse them. They last pretty long though," (McCarty '21).

Creating Door Hooks and More

And to top it all off, Lucas has also been working on hook designs and door openers to ensure the health and safety of others. The MICDS community commends the amazing efforts to ensure the well-being of others during this time!

Mask Contact:

email: lmccarty@micds.org