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Teachers using 3D printers to make masks for Fayetteville police

Cumberland County high school science teachers are helping Fayetteville police get some much-needed face masks to protect officers from the coronavirus.

Posted Updated

By
Gilbert Baez
, WRAL Fayetteville reporter
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Cumberland County high school science teachers are helping Fayetteville police get some much-needed face masks to protect officers from the coronavirus.

"We're still having challenges also trying to find N95 masks," Police Chief Gina Hawkins said.

Know that health care providers have priority for getting those masks, Hawkins struck a deal to have teachers with 3D printers make some for her.

"To have another protection layer is essential, and we're so appreciative of the school system, the teachers who are taking their time to do this," she said. "They have that assembly working, so it's pretty cool."

Science teach Brian Thompson has created a mask assembly line at Terry Sanford High School. He had used a grant to get the 3D printers to teach students the technology, but while classes have shifted online during the pandemic, he's reprogrammed the machines to make face masks.

"We just retooled some things and made some adjustments to improve the quality just a little bit," Thompson said. "So right now, we're making a change to make about 45 to 50 a day."

The mask is a two-part design, allowing a replaceable filter to fit inside a plastic shell, with a gasket around the edge for comfort and elastic for a secure fit.

Drew Blazo, who teaches science at E.E. Smith High School, holds an online zoology class as other 3D printers hum in the background. He called the project a teachable moment for his students.

"Four months ago, we had no idea that we'd be printing masks to help fight a global pandemic, but we have the ability to adapt to meet the challenges that are coming up and to kind of pass those skills on to the kids," Blazo said.

The masks cost about a dollar each to make. The Fayetteville Police Department is paying for the material, and the school system is donating the use of the 3D printers and the cost to run them.

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