3D Printing During Pandemic

My library district owns 7 Lulzbot Minis. Initially, we had plans to create a centralized makerspace in our large downtown branch. When that didn't seem feasible, several other branches received 3D printers. We then set about coordinating our efforts to create a consistent process for getting the technology into the hands of our patrons.

My library district has been closed since March 15th. I've been keeping an eye on the maker initiatives growing out the of the need to support local healthcare agencies with Personal Protective Equipment and other items. I had a lot of concerns about the initial enthusiasm for creating PPE. My biggest concern was over makers creating these items without any oversight from healthcare agencies or an  actual ask by healthcare agencies.

The NIH website has provided a lot of guidance during this process.

We were fortunate to be able to partner with our local Repair Cafe group, Repair Clark County. They started sewing cloth masks, and quickly expanded into other areas. We responded to their request for surgical mask extenders.

We're following safety best practices created by the Prusa 3D printing company. Wiping down the machines with disinfectant, wearing masks and gloves.

Our facilities crew has been keeping an eye on our branches, and they kindly rounded up all the printers and brought them to the Operations Center. I worked on getting them cleaned, calibrated and printing.

Feedback we received from the first batch of mask extenders was they were a bit short. I created an optimized version for the Lulzbot Mini, squeezing almost an extra inch out of the design by printing without build adhesion (no skirt).

I also created files for printing 7" and 8" extenders. We'll see what feedback we receive from the next batch. I uploaded all 3 of my resized files to Thingiverse.

 Original size (left). 8 inch size (right)

Original size (left). Optimized Mini print (right).

We've only been printing a few days, but have already printed over 100 and I think I've got a system figured out to print faster. It takes about 20 minutes to print an extender on our Minis.  Here is a timelapse of several hours' worth of printing compressed to 30 seconds: