LI Couple Turns Makerspace Into Maskspace For Coronavirus Shields

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Massapequa residents Paul Posner and his partner Lisa Weyde run a small makerspace in their home. But with the lock-down caused by the coronavirus pandemic, they had a lot of equipment that was gathering dust. So they decided to put it to work to help healthcare workers.

As news of critical shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers kept spreading, Posner and Weyde realized they had the equipment to help. So they turned on their 3D printers and started to make face masks for people.

Posner said he purchased more 3D printers to help churn out as many masks as possible. The design is simple: a headband with clips to attach a clear plastic face shield. He can make about 100 of them a day with his current setup. He ordered five more printers that should arrive soon, he said, to help increase production even more. And he and Weyde are not alone in their efforts.

"I'm working with about a dozen people, all of whom have at least one 3D printer," Posner said. "They're running them like crazy. They're running them 14, 16 hours a day."

The small group has managed to have a big impact. They've donated masks to hospitals, group homes and more. Posner said he's currently working on a batch to donate to the USPS distribution center in Melville.

Anyone who has a 3D printer can help, Posner said. The schematics for the headbands are free, and he has the material to make the shields. The more people who work together, the more workers can be protected.

If you don't have a 3D printer, you can still help. Posner started a fundraiser on Facebook to help raise money to pay for the materials to do the printing. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so by clicking here.