Loyola Utilizes 3D Printers to Produce Mask Straps for WPD

“Sam Walker from the WPD reached out to me to see if we had any 3D printers that weren't being used in the building,” explains Assistant Principal Mrs. Lauren Bonner.  “They needed to make seventy mask straps and had the design file, just not the printers.”

Bonner acted quickly and got in touch with Art and Design Teacher Mr. Justin Hart, who enthusiastically took on the project. 

Hart worked hard to prepare the print files provided by the WPD, which included a nozzle change on each machine to optimize its printing time. Then, Hart and Walker met at Loyola for a tutorial on the operation and function of Loyola’s 3D printers. As a precautionary measure, the two exercised the recommended social distancing guidelines and stayed at least six feet apart.    

Each printer has the capacity to produce seven straps per 1.67 hours, which is roughly fourteen straps per every two hours. The largest of Loyola's 3D printers can churn out an additional twelve straps every five hours.  This unit prints with a smaller nozzle so it maintains a slower production rate despite its size. 

“What this means is we are looking at eight to nine hours total of printing with the two smaller machines running and needing to be reset five times or about seven hours with all three machines operational with four resets,” Hart explained in an email to the WPD officers, who took shifts monitoring the printers, managing resets and print bed removals, and replenishing the supplies. 

 

Hart’s training proved invaluable as this project took shape over Easter weekend. “There is simply no way I would have been able to accomplish this without his help,” Walker says. “His knowledge of 3D modelling and his willingness to help in times of need are a credit to Loyola Academy and to the Wilmette community.”

 

At the end of the project, the resulting batch of seventy mask straps were distributed and put to immediate use in our Wilmette community - a wonderful example of Loyola’s commitment to service and giving back to those who are working tirelessly to keep us safe.  

 

“These masks are an important addition to our protective supplies and highlight a key community partnership we have with Loyola Academy,“ says Commander Mike Robinson of the WPD. 

 

“We value the work WPD does and will always step up to support the department in any way we can,” adds Bonner.