Printing FAQ
Q. What kind of 3D printer and settings do you recommend?
A. While many printers may be suitable to print the BE mask, we offer specific settings for the Ultimaker S5 and S3 and Dremel 3D45 when printing TPU, as well as the Prusa MK2 for printing PLA (see our Printer Setting Details below). When it comes to settings, every printer is different. If you have found better settings for these or other printers, please share your results on the BE Hub space.
For our general TPU printing process, we have used:
- Extruder Temp: 225-235C (depends on TPU brand)
- 0.25-0.32mm layer height
- 15% infill
- 2 shells
- 4 top solid layers
- 3 bottom solid layers
- To minimize print time, consider using a 0.8mm nozzle
- Print speed: 25mm/sec (30mm/sec for infill)
- Fan speed: 50%
- 106% flow rate
- Built without supports
Q. How long does it take to print?
A. It can take 2.5 hours to 6 hours to print a mask, depending on nozzle size, layer height, print speed, and other settings. Your printer bed may be large enough to “batch print” multiple masks in a single run, but this may lead to some “stringing” between masks when printing in TPU, which requires additional cleanup after the print. Before attempting a batch print, we suggest you get the settings right for a single mask.
Q. What mask materials do you recommend for production?
A. We designed for a semi-flex TPU mask body, and a PLA filter insert. TPU is flexible, it conforms to the contours of the face for better seal and comfort. PLA is relatively rigid, it’s better for holding the filter firmly in place. For new printers, we recommend the TPU Print Test before creating masks as a quality check. For more information on our materials, please review our Biocompatibility Assessment and Materials within our Testing and Validation.
Q. How many masks can you create with a 1kg spool of material?
A. Each mask uses about 45-55g of TPU material, depending on the mask size being made. This means you can expect to make around 20 masks with each 1kg spool of material.
Files and Downloads
Files for this design are available with version notes. 3 mask sizes and filter frame cartridges included.
STL Files
CAD Files
Files are also available on Thingiverse and YouMagine
Printer Setting Details
2.85mm TPU
(settings based on Ultimaker S5 and S3 using 3D Universe Terrafilum TPU):
3D Universe Terrafilum TPU
- Extruder Temp: 235C
- Bed Temp: No heat with Magigoo or glue stick applied, or 40-60C without any adhesive
- 2 shells
- 1.5mm top/bottom thickness
- 15% infill (cross 3D infill pattern if using Cura)
- Print speed: 25mm/sec (30mm/sec for infill)
- Flow rate: 106%
- Retraction enabled
- Retraction distance: 10mm
- Retraction speed: 15mm/sec
- Retraction extra prime amount: 0.4mm3
- Fan speed: 50%
- Coasting enabled
- To minimize print time, consider using a 0.8mm nozzle and 0.4mm layer height
1.75mm TPU
(settings based on Dremel 3D45 using Kodak Flex 98 filament):
Kodak Flex 98 Filament
- Extruder Temp: 235C
- Bed Temp: No heat
- 2 shells
- 1.5mm top/bottom thickness
- 15% infill (cross 3D infill pattern if using Cura)
- Print speed: 25mm/sec (30mm/sec for infill)
- Retraction enabled
- Retraction distance: 6mm
- Retraction speed: 25mm/sec
- Retraction extra prime amount: 0.2mm3
- Fan speed: 50%
- Coasting enabled
- To minimize print time, consider using a 0.8mm nozzle and 0.4mm layer height
1.75mm PLA
(settings used on a Prusa MK2 printer):
- Use standard PLA settings (depends on the brand of PLA and type of printer)
- 0.20mm first layer height; 0.32mm layer height
- 20% infill
- Consider using a larger nozzle and thicker layers to reduce print time