In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana Silversmiths has begun supplying injection-molded plastic parts for the Montana Mask. Montana Silversmiths, a Columbus, Montana based manufacturer of western-inspired buckles and jewelry continues to focus on how best to provide safe PPE to all of our customers and partners. After repurposing the 3D printers at Montana Silversmiths and producing 400 masks, we saw that the need was even greater. We then partnered with a Montana based plastic injection molding company to provide a more efficient means of manufacturing the masks. More information about the mask - https://www.makethemasks.com/
Background of the 3D Printed Mask
- The Montana Mask was designed out of Billings, Montana by Dusty Richardson, MD, Spencer E. Zaugg, DMD, and Colton Zaugg in the wake of PPE shortages due to the COVID-19 crisis. It was designed to be an open-source, grassroots movement, where anyone can download the files and print the masks on a 3D printer. The idea is that anyone with access to a 3D printer could help to supply healthcare workers who were not able to secure conventional PPE. The story aired on CNN on March 23, 2020: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/us/coronavirus-3d-printed-medical-supplies-trnd/index.html
- Since that time, the file has been downloaded in 148 countries and with the flurry of phone calls and emails, it became abundantly clear that access to PPE worldwide is even more limited than anyone could have imagined.
For Healthcare Workers:
First of all, Thank You. We know these are tough times, and we are doing everything we can as quickly as we can to coordinate efforts to get masks to you. Thank you for all that you do. We are truly grateful.
Important Notes: The Montana Mask is not an FDA or NIOSH approved N95 replacement. These masks are intended for use past crisis capacity if there is no conventional PPE available. Please closely read the info available in this documentand on makethemasks.comto decide if they are right for you.
If you are in need of masks, please write to [email protected] with the following info:
Hospital/Clinic Name, Contact Person, Phone, Email, Approx. number of masks needed.
Currently, Montana Silversmiths has sufficient inventory of masks, and can ship orders right away. However, we are prioritizing hospitals, first responders, and other frontline workers followed by helping supply to events coordinators and the general public.
Important Notes:
Sizes:There are two mask sizes, small and large. Typical demand is around a 50/50 or 60/40 mix of sizes. The filter frames are the same for both sizes and are interchangeable.
Mask materials:Montana Silversmiths is making them out of an FDA compliant TPE material.
Sterilization:These masks can be put into an autoclave for sterilization.
Filters:We have instructions for using and reusing surgical or N95 masks and precut filtration material, as recommended by the CDC, for use with Montana Masks. Follow the links or click on the graphics below.
We have instructions for using and reusing surgical or N95 masksand precut filtration materialfor use with Montana Masks. Follow the links or click on the graphics below. Reuse instructions as recommended by the CDC.
Video tutorial for modifying a surgical mask - https://youtu.be/EK2k8oBbRVY
- For Media:
- Please know that our focus is on supplying these masks as quickly as possible and we will respond to media inquiries within 24 hours. We are most interested in getting masks to where they need to go.
- LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The 3D printed mask & injection mold information presented here is intended to assist the general public during the current global pandemic related to COVID-19 and the related nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment. Please be aware that this mask design is not intended to replace standard protective equipment such as N-95 masks or surgical masks when that equipment is available. Montana Silversmiths is providing the identified mask in accordance with guidance issued by the FDA on March 25, 2020 entitled, “Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (Revised)." The use of the 3D printed & injection molded masks, including those sold by Montana Silversmiths, has not been fully tested and has not been approved by federal or state authorities. Billings Clinic, Marlin D. Richardson, M.D., Spencer Zaugg, DDS, Colton Zaugg, Montana Silversmiths or anyone associated with makethemasks.com, assume no liability and make no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the safety, efficacy, or appropriate use of these masks in any particular situation. Each facility should test each batch of masks prior to relying on them for protection. Use of the identified mask or any information presented on this website for any purpose is at the user’s own risk.