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3D scanning app allows customized 3D printing masks
The realization that there will be no return to normal until a vaccine against Covid-19 is finally available is gaining ground around the world. This “new normal” undoubtedly includes wearing respiratorsas is already the case in many areas of public life.
It should therefore come as no surprise that the resulting need for masks has already spawned a variety of new business models. The possibilities of 3D printing to produce individualized models or those in small quantities at low cost play a not inconsiderable role here.
Cooperation of 3D scanning and 3D printing
A particularly promising cooperation in the field of individualized mouthguards comes from the USA. The special feature: 2 companies from different areas of 3D technology have joined forces here in the service of a common cause. These are the 3D scanning specialists Bellus3D from Silicon Valley and the 3D printing service provider R&D Technologies from Rhode Island. Together, these two companies have now developed the design of a 3D printable mask that can be customized to the facial features of the respective wearer can be adjusted.
Innovation thanks to 3D scanning app
The prerequisite for this is a smartphone app developed by Bellus3D specifically for this purpose. This so-called Bellus3D FaceApp is available in the Apple Store and is compatible with all iPhones that have a TrueDepth camera, which is also used for FaceID. The Bellus3D FaceApp now creates a 3D model of the face, which can be sent directly to the 3D printing service from R&D Technologies. There, a frame for the mask is immediately adapted to the respective facial features. For $40 (that’s the equivalent of around €36), R&D Technologies will produce the desired mask from it. At the same time, however, there is also the option of downloading an STL file (created from the relevant data) free of charge and printing it out with your own 3D printer.
Previously limited to Apple devices and the USA
A disadvantage of this offer is – from our European point of view – that it is only available on the US market for the time being. In addition, the Bellus3D FaceApp is currently only compatible with iPhones, but not with smartphones from other providers. Read more about the contribution 3D printing can make to overcoming the Corona crisis in our blog.
