COVID-19: IIT Jodhpur develops masks using 3-D technology for healthcare workers

The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur has come up with a face mask using 3-D technology, to help healthcare workers attending coronavirus patients.

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has developed an indexable 3D printed face masks for healthcare workers and professionals attending COVID-19 patients. 

The team has developed 50 prototypes of the face masks in a span of two days. 

The face masks were given to district authorities for use and got positive feedback. The technology has been given to Iskon Surgicals, they will now do the production of the masks, said Amardeep Sharma, IIT Jodhpur, spokesperson.

"The team led by Kaushal A Desai and including students Ankit Agarwal, Shubham Vaishnav and Pratik Sorathiya have developed 50 prototypes of the mask in a span of two days," Sharma said.

The face mask is made of indexable transparent protective plastic covering attached to indigenously designed spectacle frames like 3D printed fixture and elastic thread.

The manufacturer has the capacity to manufacture 5,000-6,000 masks, said Inder Jeet Yadav, CEO, Zila Parishad.

"However, we will talk to them and see if it can be manufactured in a day or two," he added.

The National Institute of Technology (NIFT), Jodhpur, has also designed a personal protection equipment (PPE) kit for the medical staff. 

"The fabric to make the prototype of this kit was obtained from the local market. A team of trained women associated with self-help groups has helped for its production," said Vijay Deshmukh, Director, NIFT, Jodhpur. 

Three hundred kits have been prepared and it will be distributed among the employees for their safety, said Suresh Kumar, Municipal Commissioner, Jodhpur.

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