An innovative group of engineering students at the University of Cincinnati has created a way to make custom-fit facemasks using a 3D printer, according to a recent report from Cincinnati news station WKRC.

Currently, N-95 masks are considered the most protective against the deadly COVID-19 virus, but still are not 100% effective against the bug. Also, these masks are difficult to get and tend to not fit snuggly since everyone’s face is different.

If a protective mask doesn’t fit well, or is uncomfortable and needs to be constantly adjusted, it’s more likely to let in viruses. This poses a big problem for public health since masks are essential for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. 

The students set out to develop a smartphone app that will allow people to make custom masks that fit tightly.

Here’s how it works: you simply take a photo of your face with your smartphone, upload it to the app, and voila: the app creates a digital map of your face that goes to a 3D printer, which prints a customized rubber face mask. 

Once printed, all you need to do is snap a disposable filter into a rubber seal on the front of the mask. Air can only get in and out through the filter since the mask comes with seals around the sides designed to lay flush against your face.

Unlike typical fabric face masks, which usually need to be thrown away after one use, rubber face masks can be sanitized and reused. The only part of the mask that needs to be replaced is the filter. 

3D printers currently cost only a few hundred dollars, and will probably become even less expensive over time. So while the app map may not be an immediate solution to the current pandemic, it could be revolutionary in fighting future ones. 

The students say the app is about 80% finished. Once complete, it will be posted on the Siemens Center website where it can be downloaded for free.

Many teachers have had to transition their curriculums for home learning. Additionally, many parents and guardians are looking for online activities to keep their children educated and entertained. IEEE TryEngineering has curated free resources available to support teachers and parents during this unprecedented and challenging time.