Local residents put 3D printers to use making mask extenders

WORLAND – "I've got a 3D printer, and was just looking for ways to help," and help Steve Radabaugh did. With N95 face masks and other materials used to protect against the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in short supply in the Big Horn Basin and around the country, this help was needed.

Radabaugh's wife Sarah, a Worland chiropractor, made the first request – for a comfort accessory to the masks. The accessory, as Radabaugh described it, is "the little bands that go on the back of the head to help people's ears not hurt, throughout the day."

"I printed a couple of ear extenders for my wife for her clinic, and she threw it on Facebook, saying 'Hey, my husband is printing these; if anybody wants one, let us know,'" Radabaugh said.

According to 3DPrinting.com, 3D printing is a way to create three-dimensional, solid objects from computer files. Using computer-aided design (CAD) or 3D scanning software, an example of the desired object is meticulously measured, creating a digital model. This is saved as a digital file, which can be printed on a 3D printer. Most commonly, very thin layers of plastic are printed and layered slowly upon each other, until the desired object comes into material existence.

It is a slow, time-consuming process, but for most people over the age of 30, still quite remarkable that it is even possible.

Along with Brandon Yule and several other local people who own 3D printers, Radabaugh is using the latest consumer technology to serve the community in its time of need. Since his wife's initial request, Radabaugh says he has created approximately 150 mask extenders for people in the community.

Yule is also 3D printing N95 masks and extenders. Radabaugh printed some N95 masks at the request of Hot Springs Memorial Hospital.

In Worland, 3D-printed mask extenders may be obtained at Blair's Super Market.