Northeast Montana News

The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes the masks, across the country has become a common challenge. They are essential in keeping patients, staff, and the community safe. To curb the shortage of these items, Dusty Richardson, M.D., has collaborated with Spencer Zaugg, a dentist from Billings area, and his son Colton has turned towards technology.

According to KLTZ, the three have resulted in creating these masks by using 3D technology.

The changeable snap-in section for filtration material has made it possible for the reusable plastic masks to be used for a more extended period. Over 20,000 filter materials have been issued by Flowmark/Hitech Filters Company in their support for the project. The 3D-printed masks will help to ease the mask shortage in the country.

The manufacturers are planning county-wide manufacturing by pleading with 3D printer owners to help out. Montana State University, Rocky Mountain College, and Billings Public Schools have already lent a helping hand. More help from the community is expected.

Joining the project is First Community Bank Glasgow, which has offered partial funding to help print more masks. Mask printing has also been taken on through the Glasgow school system’s 3D printers.

Even with the offered resources, the project still requires more, and founders have appealed to well-wishers to help out as much as they can. The project lacks enough funding that would accelerate the printing process.

Those willing to donate can do so by getting in touch with Amberly Pahut at apahut@billingsclinic.org.

Aside from donating money, the project managers have also reached out to designers who might help to come up with unique ideas. If successful, the 3D-printed masks will be available around the country and would help to fill the void left in the market. They are reusable, easy to use, and have a longer lifespan.