COVID-19 Ear Savers

3D Printing Relief

At Abstract, we get into a lot of different projects for our clients. It just so happens we have a few 3D printers at the office, and when word began circulating about the shortages of PPE for frontline responders to COVID-19, we wanted to help. With limited materials to work with, we finally found this design for Ear Savers posted by Ken Lord. The same design that went viral after Canadian Boy Scout Quinn Callander for printing on his 3D printer at home.

Thousands of people just like us fired up their 3D printers in an attempt to help provide some relief for the first responders and essential workers who are selflessly caring for others. After just a month of printing, we’re happy to report over 2,000 Ear Savers have been printed and distributed to facilities from Texas to Mississippi. With the help our generous community of donors, every Ear Saver we’ve made has been provided to frontline workers and hospitals at no cost.

We’ve modified the design a few times since in an effort to print more, faster and using less materials while maintaining the integrity of the strap. Here’s a quick video to show the new design and how they work.