How to make a DIY Respirator Using Ecoflex™ 00-35 Silicone and TASK™ 8 Urethane Resin

[@maxun1]

Love the idea of molding.

[@smoothon]

Thank you!

[@sorianosn]

Thanks for the how to: question, how deep is the mold forms pressed into the sculptex clay for pouring the EcoFlex to make the mold?

[@diyweights3692]

I am the 10,000th viewer of this video. So proud of myself.

[@smoothon]

Thanks for watching!

[@robert5]

This is exactly what I would like to do. Bravo, and thanks.

[@LT72884]

the mask i designed, has eye lets on the side of the mask for the elastic, this prevents any gaps in the mask, like you say is no good, but how do i mold those? wont the silicone fill those holes in? im not sure i know how to unmold the mask if those have silicone stuck in them. thanks

[@Pyromancers]

how much urethane goes into one mask by weight and/or volume? thx! exploring this through the Montana college I work for as a way to make more masks. Using some of your silicone in seals currently.

[@vtcanada2000]

Do you have a video on how to exactly do the heat treating on the Task8 parts?

[@smoothon]

Not yet, but it is on our roadmap.

[@mrjp2149]

Pretty cool that you guys made this video. Though, I think you should have added a cost per mask ratio

[@hondanickx]

How flexible is the Task 8 material when casting this thin ?

[@smoothon]

It is quite rigid, even in a thin section. WE have semi-rigid resins if you are looking for some flex. www.smooth-on.com/search/?q=semi+rigid

[@wordpainting3]

How well does that gasket keep a seal around the face? I've been using weatherseal for my masks and that only works if the face remains still. I'm thinking of having a shop print that gasket mold for me but Im hoping it has some flex to it before I go to that expense.

[@Pyromancers]

how thick is the mask material ? could you drop the mask without cracking it? thx

[@smoothon]

This mask is between 1/8 and 1/4" It can be dropped without breakage.

[@funnygirl4advice]

Cool! how much would this cost?

[@MarcosCanabal]

Sr : Thank you for this video , How many mask can you obtain from 1 gallon of TASK™ 8 ? And the approximate cost per mask ?

[@smoothon]

One gallon unit of TASK 8 yields about 130 masks.

[@sciencekids217]

kzbin.info/door/eMWkacB4oi4ot2D2W5JoiQ?view_as=subscriber here is the cost per mask

[@WilSisney]

Can Task 8 be colored with a Smooth-On colorant, like UVO or So Strong resin colorants?

[@smoothon]

Absolutely. Either would work.

[@sciencekids217]

kzbin.info/door/eMWkacB4oi4ot2D2W5JoiQ?view_as=subscriber Yes it can here is what we did

[@JimBear]

Thank you, Milo and Smooth-On. The Suay Community Mask Coalition has recommended the use of two layers of Wypall X80 or Zep polyester hydro knit shop towels as a filter material. Please research this as a possible disposable alternative to the HEPA vacuum bags. #StaySafe

[@smoothon]

Thanks for the info!

[@LT72884]

or just use 3m filtrete 2200 HVAC filters. no fiberglass what so ever and is the exact same material N95 masks are made of

[@theaviga3842]

Good one

[@smoothon]

Thanks

[@itayprice1219]

Hi. The masks look polished. Did you polish the 3D print before?

[@smoothon]

Yes, the models were sanded.

[@markk3812]

... and how long mold forms last? Thank you.

[@smoothon]

this would depend on many factors. Perhaps this FAQ will help: www.smooth-on.com/support/faq/183/

[@cinematiccreations8310]

how much of the silicone would be required to make those molds?

[@danielx40]

I notice that the cap has four hooks instead of holes for straps. What if there are holes on the outside of the mask, as on many other designs? Is there anyway to cast mask with strap holes?

[@smoothon]

You could mold and cast a mask with holes, but the hooks made it easier to mold.

[@alexandrebasanisi2201]

Hello Ecoflex for mask or cowl or suit is good ? 🤔 I build a Batman Suit ! But for the hears ? Having à foam for this silicone ? And after is possible painting ! I know pigment in added in black first ! but is possible painting silicone ? 🤔 (I'm Belgian French 👍🏼 )

[@smoothon]

Hello, we have many people making Batman cowl using our materials. Vytaflex 30 or 40 are very popular.

[@WilSisney]

Hey Milo - Do you have any tips for getting nice edges on one-part molds like these? I always get a bit of a concave finish when the resin cures, and between that and the shiny finish, the fronts of my mask are coming out looking very rough compared to the smooth and duller finish of the 3D printed mask parts. Any suggestions?

[@AdamaCoulibaly-ij4rz]

gjshzbjhd❤👏

[@christiantizon6902]

Can I use the ecoflex 0030 insted of the 0035?

[@smoothon]

Yes, it will take longer to cure, but the resultant material will be very similar.

[@lindaperryrncnm3140]

Is the finished product available for sale, for those of use without this capability?

[@smoothon]

We do not make these for sale, but have a list of moldmakers who may be able to help you: www.smooth-on.com/moldmaker/

[@roarkemurdock3027]

Great video! I am looking into Task 8 for its ability to withstand heat. I have a small benchtop direct injection machine and have been experimenting with different high heat resins to make the molds out of (without needing a CNC), problem is that typically resins can handle the heat (often resins with aluminum fillers) are too brittle and thin sections of the mold snap off during the part removal. Have you guys tried Task 8 in such an application, or do you have any recommendations for other high heat resins that also exhibit high tensile and shear strength? I am using plastic pellets with a relatively low melting point and 250f in the mold should do just about right

[@smoothon]

TASK 8 is a good material to test for this application. For your application we recommend using the heat curing schedule shown in the TB.

[@markk3812]

What material you use to print model on 3d printer? Thank you.

[@mok73ph]

Can you color on the urethane resin?

[@smoothon]

Yes, you can use So-Strong or UVO colorants to color the resin.

[@FrancisRodgers]

It's not easy to find the cost per gallon of your products on the websites. I live in Ireland, can you give a cost per gallon of Task 8?

[@smoothon]

Hi! You can find pricing here: www.benam.co.uk/products/plastic/task/task-8

[@SirValak]

Quick question; How many respirators with its filter housing can you make form 1 gallon Task 8 aproximatly??? Thanks!

[@smoothon]

About 135

[@SirValak]

@@smoothon One last question; We have some Vytaflex 10 Urethane Rubber gallon, can we use that to make the mold instead of the platinum cure silicone? We would be using platinum cure silicone for the gasket and Task 8 resin for the mask itself. My question is would there be any problem related to the chemicals on the Urethane Rubber that requiere special handling. Do the Vytaflex rubber molds become safe to handle and cast after it has been cured? Thanks for your time and for the great video guide! we already purchased materials to make 450 masks =D much devibe than the cloth face mask, just in case things go bad and it becomes airborne, it would be awesome to all of us creating mask and every person can have access to one due to supply chain down now days.

[@TheEtbetween]

Wow excellent , that’s amazing

[@smoothon]

Many thanks

[@smoothon]

Smooth-On produced this video in response to people asking for a workable (not perfect) materials solution to the problem of respirator shortages plaguing many parts of the world during the COVID-19 crisis. Before responding to viewer assertions that the HEPA vacuum cleaner filter bag that we featured in our video contains fiber glass making the design unsafe, we wanted to investigate to get the facts to the extent that they are available. Kevin Egan, Head of North American Sales at TTI (parent company of Hoover and Oreck vacuum located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL) states that “I’ve checked with our product team and can confirm our bags do not contain fiberglass”. We were directed to a KZbin video made by Josh from Vacuums R Us in Arvada, Colorado to separate myth from fact based on his years of experience in the trade. Josh is very clear that HEPA vacuum cleaner bags have never been made of fiberglass. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ68pZKtqcZ_ec0 . We have spoken with several hospitals that maintain dedicated medical simulation device fabrication departments. Health care workers continue using HEPA vacuum cleaner filter bags to make their own DIY respirators without any reported incidence of adverse health effects. An RN that works in the Med Sim fabrication lab of one facility commented that, “at the moment, HEPA vacuum bag filters are our only option”. Our Conclusion; N95 filtration masks are optimal in fighting the COVID-19 virus. Due to the severe shortage of these masks, however, people are forced to improvise and do what they can to protect themselves, their patients and their loved ones. While we respect the opinions of others, Smooth-On is satisfied that we have done our due diligence in researching this matter. We were not able to find a single HEPA vacuum cleaner filter bag made of fiberglass anywhere. The majority are made of spun polypropylene fibers. A small percentage are made using a combination of cotton and cellulose. We also confirmed that Furnace/HVAC filters do contain fiberglass and should not be used to make PPE devices. In producing this video, we followed the lead of local health care professionals in using what they consider to be acceptable filtration in the face of the N95 mask shortage. Given a choice between no filtration and using a HEPA vacuum cleaner bag filter, we think most people would opt for the latter.

[@Abyssinian_well_MSK]

Hi!Can i buy your materials in Russia?

[@mightymadmax6703]

Hello, I think you meant to put up this www.thingiverse.com/thing:4256688 model for the mask. The same user also has a printable silicone mold, but given that will leave ridges I'm not sure how safe that is for long-term use even with an autoclave, I would suggest some prep work to make your molded piece completely smooth, meaning time sanding, filling, sanding, filling until you could paint it to a smooth gloss. Also, do you know what the airflow is on the design you've selected, as that's incredibly important if the seal is good, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIeugIaGbpKoraM. I would suggest something that at least allows for 4-15 CFM(7-25 m^3/h) if you're advocating for a proper, sealing mask to avoid CO2 buildup.

[@sciencekids217]

there needs to be a better cold for the silicone face part. Those attaching those to the mask is NOT as easy as glue and attach. Been trying to make something that is pre molded when silicone is poured. Super difficult.

[@midnight121190]

What types of silicone could you use instead of task 8? I have many on hand and am wondering if I can use them to make the whole mask out of silicone. Then they can go in the dryer for a convenient dry heat sanitize cycle. Many types of "bugs" survive moist hot environments much easier than dry hot environments. For example ticks and giardia can both, usually, survive going through a wash/dry cycle, even on hot, but cannot survive the dryer alone as the wash cycle introduces water, lowering average dryer temperature and providing moisture to survive. It's creepy to think about really.

[@midnight121190]

Also, is there a design with an output valve? As this is really a respirator design and should seal quite well, I would imagine co2 buildup could be a potential problem. Making a valve out of silicone should be easy enough to do. Also, yes, I realize having a output valve defeats the purpose of wearing a mask right now, which is to prevent spreading of pathogens as we can be asymptomatic carriers.

[@smoothon]

These are all great points and questions. We consider this video a starting point for those who wish to undertake this type of project Of course, as time goes on, our innovative audience will make refinements of design.

[@markk3812]

How much clay you need for 5 pieces mold?

[@smoothon]

About 5-6 pounds of Sculptex clay

[@sciencekids217]

kzbin.info/door/eMWkacB4oi4ot2D2W5JoiQ?view_as=subscriber here is your answer

[@my3dprintedlife]

Only because I'm not familiar with these materials I have to ask if there is any residual smell

[@smoothon]

These materials are odorless once fully cured.

[@mok73ph]

Question: the working time is only 2 1/2 mins for ecoflex 00 30. Is there one we can that has alonger working time. For newbies like me 2 mins is a bit nerve wracking

[@smoothon]

Certainly. Ecoflex 00-30 has a much longer working time and similar hardness.

[@jesseblunt]

Great video, thanks. Would Smooth-sil 945 work instead of task 8 for casting gang molds? Is it food safe like the 940? Extended pot life would be helpful for degassing. I want to cast the entire mask in silicone that can be autoclaved. Thanks.

[@smoothon]

Smooth-Sil 945 would work for a mold material. It has not, however, been rated for food safety.

[@jesseblunt]

@@smoothon would you recommend Smooth-sil 950 in this case for a durable skin-safe mask?

[@smoothon]

It may be possible to use this as a mask material, but testing would be required.

[@Mobile_Dom]

wait, is this a reupload?

[@smoothon]

Yes, this is a re-upload of our previous video. The procedure is the same, the previous video was removed in error.

[@josesbarnabas]

Where can I buy the mold? So that I can make more respirators. I am a healthcare worker in a nursing home, and i would like to make some for my co workers and to my church.

[@smoothon]

We do not sell the respirators, but do have a list of moldmakers on our site who may be able to help you. www.smooth-on.com/moldmaker/

[@knightstalker36]

What type of rubber bands did you use?

[@smoothon]

These are standard packaging type 3/4" wide rubber bands.

[@michaelvangeertruy9906]

Milo, could you provide direct links to the products you used in this video? That will make it more likely folks like me will get the right products and have a more satisfying outcome.

[@smoothon]

TASK 8 - www.smooth-on.com/products/task-8/ Ecoflex 00-35 www.smooth-on.com/products/ecoflex-00-35/

[@michaelj7]

Do you need to use release agent at any point? Especially when making the gaskets?

[@smoothon]

Release agent is not necessary but it’s optional.

[@rylar4663]

Has anyone created a silicone mould that fits the mask without the need for silicone glue?

[@mainstay.]

I am finding it difficult getting this printed at a reasonable cost ( a local 3d print shop quoted me $75) my local friends with printers can't do it for me as the mold gasket parts are about 400mm long. wish it was designed for the more common 200 by 200 printers.

[@Bcr3106]

You can print half and half, then glue the pieces together. Get creative.

[@JG-hu3yt]

exelente thank

[@souljunkee33]

Nice

[@smoothon]

Thank you for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!

[@vinayagrawal2265]

How long would these masks last?

[@smoothon]

TASK 8 is an industrial resin with a high impact strength and high temperature resistance. The Ecoflex silicone also has a very long library life. Durability would come down to the treatment of the mask when applied or removed, and number of autoclave cycles if applicable.

[@labelspecialist3754]

V good

[@printaworld-3dprintingserv473]

Only wish my supplier is still open now.

[@ReynoldsamPlus]

Reynolds Advanced Materials locations are still open to distribute smooth-On materials. Visit www.reynoldsam.com for info.

[@journalistasmita]

Sir can we get distrubutor contact number in India ?

[@smoothon]

Certainly - ONS IMPEX TRADERS PVT. LTD. 312, Apeejay House,, 130, Bombay Samachar Marg, Fort,, Mumbai 400001 India Tel: + 91 22 22829073 E-Mail: [e-mail]