Page 30 - 3DA Mag N° February2018 -EN+

MEDICINE

A 3D PRINTED

anti-pollution mask for children

In heavily polluted cities, children are very exposed to a number of diseases. Adults can
easily find stylish protective masks to protect themselves from pollution. However, very few
are available for children. Autodesk, Sinterit and Bartlomiej Gaczorek, 3D designer, wanted to
address this issue hence their collaboration to create a protective mask for young children.

The aim of the team was to create a low-weight mask. The key challenge
was to protect the filters without increasing the volume of the mask, as
children are highly mobile and have a tendency to fall. Furthermore,
in order to encourage children to wear the mask, the team
wanted to make a colorful product. Creating such a structure
manually would require a lot of time, and would almost
certainly lead to mistakes that would not be 3D printable.
The manufacturing of the mask

After designing the mask, Autodesk Netfabb
analyzed and detected problems, repaired meshes,
and therefore, shortened the printing time even
further. In the case of the “brifo,” Netfabb made
it possible to properly prepare the design before
printing. The software created internal lattices to
slim-down the design with a complicated, organic
structure. The latticing allowed for a lightweight model
with no loss of functionality or durability.

The team used the Sinterit Lisa printer that integrates
SLS technology to manufacture the mask. The printer has
the ability to print permanent, targeted elements that could
be treated and painted to create a final product, not just a
prototype. In addition, it can print durable components (PA12 nylon)
as well as flexible ones (TPU), making it possible to print both rigid
sections of the mask and an anatomically adjustable section for the face.
As far as materials are concerned, PA12 and Flexa Black were used since they make
the mask both durable and comfortable.
“A solid piece can be hollowed and filled with crystal-like lattice structures and vents
for removing unsintered powder can be added in few simple steps. This reduces the
final weight and material consumption by 50 per cent as compared to a solid part.”

Magazine / February 2018