Adia has recently partnered with scientist and designer James Weaver to provide 35,000 face mask hooks to keep healthcare workers safe while reducing the discomfort of ear loops on typical masks. The mask hooks, which have also been referred to as ear savers, were sent to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Winchester Hospital, affiliated with Lahey Health. Weaver is a former Senior Research Scientist at the Wyss Institute and a current Senior Staff Scientist at Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
While COVID-19 outbreaks continue across the United States, personal protective equipment is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a mask can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safer (CDC, 2020). Emily Turcan of Adia worked closely with Weaver and his team on the project. She remarked, “It’s an honor to be considered a trusted resource in the 3D industry and we welcomed the opportunity to help with the PPE shortage. James Weaver’s design efforts and his ability to obtain tangible feedback from frontline medical workers coupled with our team’s intimate knowledge of AM processes and materials quickly propelled the project into motion.” Other Adia team members who worked on the mask hook project include Nick Gondek, Director of Additive Manufacturing and Kevin Williams, Director of Engineering Solutions.
Adia used its HP Jet Fusion 580 Color 3D Printer to create the original mask hooks for the hospital’s approval. Upon approval, the larger orders were processed on an HP 4200 printer to better support the volume requirements. Many healthcare workers take on shifts of 12 hours or longer, and Adia feels that comfort and safety are key for personal protective equipment. The printer used a nylon material that is both strong and malleable and can be attached to the mask’s ear loops to prevent rubbing and chafing after many hours of wear.
About Adia:
Adia is a nationally certified woman-owned business offering custom engineering services and end-to-end additive manufacturing solutions. Adia is a proud partner of 3D systems and are one of three exclusive 3D distributors in the United States for LOCTITE 3D Printing Resins.
We pride ourselves in carrying over 120 years of combined experience in the 3D printing industry and have developed unique programs that assist our clients with the implementation and/or improvement of additive manufacturing in their business. Through these programs, we can identify the best course of action along with a detailed plan to guide businesses on their way to reaching their highest 3D potential. Not only do we provide the machines, but we also strive to create ease before and after implementation or enhanced continued usage through our excellent support and next-day service!
No matter where you are on your 3D printing journey, we’re here to help. With clients ranging from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies, we are confident that we can develop a custom 3D solution for any business in any industry.