Italy's WASP pivots production to 3D printed masks & helmets
As Italy continues to be devastated by the coronavirus, companies are shifting production focus towards emergency solutions. 3D printing innovator WASP has undergone a process of transformation, converting its development capabilities to counteract the spread of Covid-19.
WASP has set all ongoing R&D projects aside for the time being and began looking at the production of ad hoc tools that can be 3D printed to boost health and safety in the workplace.
The company has developed a process that starts with a 3D scan of a subject’s face, allowing for the production of a custom mask for the individual wearer. The material used is PCL (Polycaprolactone) - an implantable biomaterial, that can be used for direct skin contact. All the masks were printed using Delta WASP 4070 IND. 4.0.
The goal is to make an ergonomically perfect mask wrapping around the facial features like a second skin. "My Face Mask", as the company has dubbed it, can be easily cleaned and reused several times with the central element using a replaceable filter.
The process of customising the masks takes around four hours and it reduces skin irriation and other issues related to long-term use.
WASP has also made the project open source and interested parties can find instructions and .stl filed ready to be downloaded here.
The company has also been producing a climate-controlled, ventilated helmet that protects from micro-droplets, "My Space" is the result of a several days work which allowed the company to switch, thanks to digital manufacturing, from prototype to first production quickly and easily.
"My Space" is made of a light transparent plastic material, is easy to wear and creates a safe personal space. Nose, mouth, eyes and ears are contained in a slightly pressurised casing where the wearer can feel a sense of protection, without the limitations of the respiratory capacity caused by the masks. Fresh and clean air comes from the top, while near the ears small holes allow for hearing. The holes can be closed if necessary but a constant flow of air coming out from them ensures that nothing from the outside can get inside. A 12V battery allows the fan to work for several hours. At the moment there are five “ready to use” helmets. These are non-certified devices that WASP will internally test to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and give them registered to those who work on the front line.
Like with "My Face Mask", the instructions for "My Space" have made available on the company's website.
The whole process took only three days of work to go from the idea to the production of the masks and helmets. The company says it is continuing research and placing itself at the service of research centres, universities, public and private bodies, to share knowledge and experience.
Back to Homepage
Back to Healthcare