Medical Mask Making at the Makerspace

Jared Wittekind, Makerspace Coordinator

Building Bridges to Careers values healthcare workers that continue to do their best in spite of shortages of personal protective equipment. We believe that helping those that would risk increased exposure to COVID-19 in order to protect the community is a more than worthy use of our resources. As an expression of our gratitude, the Makerspace, a project of Building Bridges to Careers, has been utilizing its 3D printing and laser cutting equipment around-the-clock in order to manufacture reusable face shields for local hospitals and EMS.

Since many other makers nationwide are producing face shields and masks, there is a shortage of elastic strap materials for the face shields we are producing. As a result, we designed and developed laser cut face shield straps.

As we started this process, we quickly learned that the demand for face shields within the Mid-Ohio Valley largely exceeded what can be 3D printed in a timely manner. As a result, we have been constantly pursuing different ways to increase the number of face shields we can produce daily by coordinating with local makers and businesses and closely working with local hospitals to ensure that the shields we produce are useful as this situation evolves. If you are interested in getting involved in our work with 3D printing face shields, please email us.

Throughout the course of this pandemic, many stories have emerged that reiterate the importance of community by highlighting individuals, organizations, and businesses that have stepped up and worked together in spite of obvious obstacles. These stories serve not only as hope in an otherwise difficult time, but as a reminder that strong connections between innovative makers and businesses are paramount. To follow the work of our Makers and our Makerspace, visit our BB2C Makerspace Facebook Page.