Here, we show that improving the fit of a cloth mask using a low-cost 3D-printed frame significantly improves its inward protection efficiency for airborne particles known to transmit SARS-CoV-2. We found that a 3D-printed flexible frame (i.e., brace) increased the inward protection efficiency of a cotton-based cloth mask by 13–43% for particles ranging in size from 0.5–2 μm relative to the efficiency obtained in the absence of the frame. For example, the use of a flexible form-fitting frame increased the inward protection efficiency for 0.5 and 1 μm particles by 31 and 40%, respectively. Rapid prototyping of the mask frame geometry and material properties was also highlighted for optimization of the facial contact area and mechanical matching. This work demonstrates the opportunity for leveraging additive manufacturing processes for rapid prototyping of personalized and form-fitting personal protective equipment components at home and at point-of-care settings, such as mask frames.

中文翻译：

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3D打印口罩框架提高布口罩的内向保护效率

在这里，我们展示了使用低成本 3D 打印框架改善布面罩的贴合度可显着提高其对已知可传播 SARS-CoV-2 的空气传播颗粒的内部保护效率。我们发现 3D 打印的柔性框架（即支架）将棉布口罩的内部保护效率提高了 13-43% 的颗粒大小范围为 0.5-2 μm 相对于在不存在的情况下获得的效率。框架。例如，使用灵活的贴身框架将 0.5 和 1 微米颗粒的内向保护效率分别提高了 31% 和 40%。还强调了面罩框架几何形状和材料特性的快速原型设计，以优化面部接触区域和机械匹配。