Man uses 3D printer to help make masks for doctors at Worthing Hospital

David Brownings, the man behind the Brighton-based printing company ThreeDeeDave, has printed around a dozen connectors which link scuba masks to filters, creating reusable masks that doctors at Worthing Hospital can use during the outbreak.

The 31-year-old from Brunswick Place, Hove, offered his services for free. He said: "This is a time for people to come together, and although it sounds cheesy were are all in this together. It isn't just one demographic or country; everyone's going through the same thing. I would just quite like to be a part of helping."

David said he was contacted by a Brighton-based anaesthetist who worked at Worthing Hospital for the task, which required him to design a simple cylindrical tube which could connect a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter, to the scuba masks.

Using just friction, the tube creates an airtight seal which means no germs can bypass the filtration system.

"As soon as he saw them, he said they were more than tight enough to be used in hospital-grade items," David said.

"It means they don't have to use these disposable masks that are in so much demand right now.

"Once one doctor finishes, they can disinfect it and then the next doctor is ready to use it."

After posting about the design on social media, David said he got several commissions, including from Age UK, which he will also be doing for free.

Using software to create the design, David said each cylinder took around half an hour to print. It works by printing individual layers of the design using the same material that plastic water bottles are made from, building up to a 3D product.

The entrepreneur got his first taste of 3D printing when he received a bonus one year from his job as manager of size? footwear in North Street, Brighton.

"I thought, 'what is the biggest and best thing I could buy with this?'

"So I got myself a low to mid range 3D printer, just for fun, and I really enjoyed it.

"I got good at it, so I decided to quit my job and pursue it full-time."

Among the weird and wonderful creations he has made recently are gaming figurines, sneaker keyrings for a US client and architect designs.

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