Ameren Co-Worker's Hobby Leads to Making COVID-19 Masks

Matthew Sumski, an electrical designer in Ameren Missouri's Transmission Design Drafting Department, is taking his hobby to a new level to help people during the ongoing pandemic. Recently, he began 3D printing masks similar to the N95 masks used by healthcare workers. Sumski says his mask was tested and shown to be effective at protecting people.

"It's neat. I've given masks to my doctor's office, so they're covered now. I'm waiting to hear from a local hospital to see if they would like masks for their healthcare workers."

Sumski shared what he had learned with other 3D printing enthusiasts through an Ameren Yammer page. Collin Fischer, reliability standards co-op at Ameren, was part of that online conversation. Together, the two have been innovating ways to improve the masks, which can be difficult because some of the materials are in short supply and the process can get complicated. For Fischer, who plans to share the masks with first responders and church members, the effort is worth it.

"I think what I find most impressive about this is that I'm able to make dozens of masks in my bedroom on a small 3D printer that I bought for $200 a few years ago. It's amazing that modern technology allows for this type of distributed manufacturing," Sumski said.

Masks cost about $1.50 to print and take between three and five hours to complete.