Monterey County library staff using 3-D printers to make masks

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Free Libraries buildings are closed while the Shelter in Place order is in effect, and while it is closed, library staff are using 3-D printers to make masks.

They are printing plastic versions of N95 masks for first responders and health care workers.

Because the masks are made of hard plastic, they can be worn multiple times by the same person.

They are being made from a pattern accepted by many hospitals, according to county officials, and it takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to make one mask.

“We know there is a need for these, so my team tested the masks to pick the best pattern and materials and worked out the bugs before starting the printing work,” explains Library Director Hillary Theyer. “These printers were located in Soledad and Greenfield Branches and have been moved to the County surplus warehouse where the printing is taking place."

Library staff said the printers are also being set up to make doorknob covers that can keep surfaces that are touched often cleaner. They are also making no-sew masks with a slot where a hepa filter can be inserted.