General FAQ
Q. Where can I get the STL files to 3D print one for myself?
A. The STL files for the latest version are available here.
Q. Is this a replacement for an N95 mask?
A. No, we are providing a crisis mask solution. This mask design is not intended to replace standard protective equipment when that equipment is available. N95 masks and surgical masks are FDA and NIOSH approved through time-intensive testing as ‘single-use, disposable devices’. Our Crisis Mask is designed for multi-use, with replaceable filters. Our goal is to research, test, and design protection devices and practices that are substantially better than a simple cloth bandana.
Q. Can I order these masks?
A. BEmask project designs are open source and available for anyone to download and print for free. We encourage community efforts to fill their own needs through localized manufacturing with attribution. We are developing small-scale local distribution through Buffalo, NY with priority for those in the greatest need. Masks will be produced by volunteers and available with a suggested donation to cover materials, manufacturing costs, and shipping.
Q. How much does it cost to create the mask? Can I sell it?
When printing in TPU, this mask can be created for around $5 per mask for materials, not including the PLA filter cartridge, strapping, and filter. Our designs are open source and available for commercial use with attribution. Please review our license for more information.
| The BE mask is offered to the general public for general, non-medical purposes. In accord with FDA Emergency Use Authorization, it has been submitted for review to NIOSH. The safety and efficacy of any mask depends on fitting, sanitization practices, and filter materials. Any mask should be tested and fit to meet local needs and standards. Please see our user liability disclaimer for details. |
The BE Mask is a design derivative of the original Montana Mask. This iteration includes improvements to materials, assembly process, seal, sizing in relation to geometric scaling, and filter cartridge design. It is an ongoing community effort that continues to adapt to meet the needs of those at the most risk.
History
This project began as an unusual alliance of university and healthcare faculty, staff, and practitioners, local business owners and public benefit 3D printing enthusiasts. It continues as a volunteer collaboration bridging the medical, academic, and industrial communities of Buffalo, NY with the e-NABLE online community of digital humanitarian volunteers across the world.
Meetings began on March 27th, 2020, several days after the stay at home order was put into effect for New York State and the non-essential businesses were closed. At this time, the state just reported deaths at over 100 people per day, which has remained the case every day since until the present. As the situation has continued, our group has continued to meet several times a week (at times several times a day) to further our efforts in providing needed equipment in our region and beyond.
BE Team
Teams have emerged with contributions from local hospitals, universities, and industrial manufacturing. Engineers, IT analysts, researchers, designers, health and safety administrators, and doctors have joined forces. Our clinical members come from immunopathology, biomedical informatics, destristy, orthology and anatomy, often returning from hospital appointments on the frontlines between meetings. Specialists in 3D printing from across the world have also joined the cause to offer insights and learn from our model.