Murphy – David Decker normally spends his days teaching students computer science skills at Murphy Middle School, but now he’s spending his days – and using his classroom tools – to make masks for the medical community.
Decker runs the school’s SmartLab, which includes a Dremel Digilab D45 3D printer. The printer, as well as filament used to print 3D designs, were part of a large donation from TEAM Industries in Marble and the TEAM Foundation in Minnesota.
Principal Tiffany Clapsaddle, Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Jeana Conley and Decker came up with the idea to use the SmartLab’s tools – and Decker’s knowledge – to make 3D printed masks. Decker brought the printer home and got to work.
“It’s a good feeling to be able to be able to contribute to the solution,” Decker said. “It’s an opportunity to help out our medical professionals on the front line.”
He got the mask design from an open-source 3D printing website. The masks are reusable and can be machine- or hand-washed. The filters can also be replaced.
Each mask takes more than 14 hours to make. The mask piece takes 11 hours and 23 minutes to print.
The cap piece, which fits onto the front of the mask, takes another two hours to print, and the grid piece, which holds the filter in place and keeps it from touching your face, takes 47 minutes to print. Decker said he could lower the print time, but that would also lower the quality of the mask.
He started making the first mask Thursday and already has several completed.
He’s gotten support from another educator. Murphy High School’s librarian/media coordinator, Alyssa Montague, who is also his wife, has helped by filming and editing videos about the mask-printing process. Those videos have been shared on social media, including the Murphy Middle STEM Facebook page.
Decker said he has already gotten interest from medical personnel for the masks. That’s exactly who he wants to get the masks first.
“As an educator, I have the luxury to work from home and practice social distancing, while our medical professionals and other essential workers are exposed to the virus on a daily basis,” he said.
Decker said he has also heard from other teachers in the county who want to help, and he’s shared information on printing the masks with them.
“I hope getting the word out on what I’m doing will inspire more people who are familiar with 3D printing processes and have access to a 3D printer to do the same,” he said.