Clinic staff are wearing the face mask extenders
Dr Maycon Sedrez, a teaching fellow from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), recently presented a number of "face mask extenders" to the UNNC Clinic and mailroom. The extenders were created using 3D printing facilities on campus and digital innovation in Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies.
The simple device reduces pain behind the ears caused by wearing masks over long periods.
Dr Sedrez explained that the original design was not his own - it had already been shared online by numerous researchers. However, he selected the design as most suitable for 3D printing at UNNC.
“I believe this situation presents a lot about the future of architecture and design," says Dr Sedrez. "Sharing and collaboration are key concepts of digital design and fabrication."
“I worked 2 to 3 days on the extenders from downloading, checking the file and sending to a 3D printer to get it ready to use. After printing the first batch I noticed that the printer was generating too much support material (needed to hold the object to the table). I worked with my colleague Jason Wang, who is more experienced with the printers, to solve the problem,” says Dr Sedrez.
Now that students are back on campus, he invites them to join him in the research and participate in 3D printing.
Dr Sedrez also gave a batch of extenders to local medical institutions, stating that anyone in need should contact himself or the University.
“It felt really good to be able to do something for the people on frontlines and apply my knowledge on fabrication. I think this is a good example of how to engage with our community,” he says.
Published on 28 April 2020