Optimized Copper3D design will be available via open-source platform Thingiverse

FORT COLLINS, COLO. (March 21, 2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the world. Additionally, the pandemic has led to challenges for many organizations whose mission is to protect and treat vulnerable populations while protecting themselves. Lisa Poppaw, Executive Director of Crossroads Safehouse, is faced with protecting her staff from contracting the virus while continuing to provide direct services to domestic violence victims in the emergency shelter.

 “Our staff is in very real danger of coming in contact with this virus on a daily basis. Knowing the commitment of my staff to serve the clients coming into the shelter, I wanted to do everything in my power to protect them so they can continue to protect this community.”  With that in mind, Poppaw reached out to Heidi Hostetter and Nathan Morimitsu of H2 Manufacturing Solutions to inquire about a solution to the mask shortage. While Hostetter was digging to find masks to provide the Safehouse, she realized there may be a different solution, and one that allows for multiple uses and the ability to be sterilized in between while still being effective – and a solution that she will make available to the public.

“After speaking with Nathan, we both realized there was a solution to this mask shortage, an open-source file by Copper 3D. We quickly realized the real magic is partnering with students out of school and professionals laid off from their industries, to start providing safer masks at a faster pace,” stated Hostetter, President of H2 Manufacturing Solutions. “And masks that are better than using nothing or reusing masks that are meant for one-time use. People just want to help, so they answered our call.” 

After the discovery of the open-source mask file, created by Copper 3D, and the securing of copper filled PLA (Polylactic Acid or Polylactide) 3D printing filament, Hostetter and Morimitsu were certain that they could help.

Copper as a metal is naturally antimicrobial, which offers added protection, and filters for the valves can be made from almost anything. “These masks won’t be as good as masks that are rated and sterile, but they will be orders of magnitude better than reusing masks while trying to sterilize in between uses or resorting to bandanas or other ineffective fabric barriers,” stated Morimitsu, Director of Operations. “Additionally, we may be able to get these masks in the hands of others like veterinarians, nonprofit staffers, grocery store workers, and others with direct public contact in an effort to continue to keep them as safe as possible.”

H2 Manufacturing Solutions is working to refine the files to make them print faster and assemble easier. As soon as the filament is in, they will be utilizing their resources and numerous students and professionals in the manufacturing industry who have 3D printers available and ready to use to meet the demand for these masks. H2 will provide the materials, the students and professionals will use their printers, and the open-source mask files to provide the masks to Crossroads and other nonprofit groups that have reached out. Additionally, H2 will be providing masks to Denver-based Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital as well as Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.

The refined files, as well as the original files from Copper 3D, will be available on Thingiverse, for people throughout the country to access and help others near them. “We are going back to the first industrial revolution and doing true in-home manufacturing again,” said Hostetter. “We don’t want to profit from this, it’s just the right thing to do to help our communities and our loved ones get through this emergency,” said Heidi Hostetter.

For access to the refined open source mask files, please contact Heidi Hostetter by calling (303) 517-6541 or emailing hhostetter@fauston.com or Nathan Morimitsu by calling (970) 980-8798 or emailing nate@h2manufacturingsolutions.com. The Original Copper 3D File can be found here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4231069, and when the files H2 has been refining are ready they will be available on Thingiverse as well.

About Crossroads Safehouse

Since 1980, Crossroads Safehouse has offered free emergency housing, advocacy, legal assistance, transitional housing, and education for survivors of domestic violence. Crossroads provides food, clothing, and support for more than 400 residents of the emergency shelter, as well as advocacy and outreach services to thousands of clients every year. Learn more about Crossroads Safehouse at crossroadssafehouse.org.

About Faustson Tool

Faustson Tool, a worldwide leader in the machining industry, provides services for clients worldwide in the medical, aerospace, aeronautics, defense, semiconductor, and other industries. The company, founded in 1982, provides 3-, 4- and 5-axis milling and 5-axis EDM services, as well as turning capabilities for cutting-edge custom part production, and efficient production of standard parts. Faustson Tool is woman-owned and operated small business. For more information, visit www.faustson.com, email hhostetter@faustson.com or call (303) 420-7422.

About H2 Manufacturing Solutions

h2@h2manufacturingsolutions.com. Visit H2 Manufacturing Solutions on the web, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 

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