Published April 15, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield Middle School eighth-grader Cameron Sullivan is giving back to health care workers on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 virus.
With schools closed due to the pandemic, Cameron has been using a 3D printer to make face masks for doctors and nurses. He noted the outbreak has led to shortages of personal protective equipment, including masks, as hospitals across the state and country have been inundated with coronavirus cases.
“I heard about the shortage in the supply of N95 face masks, so I decided to help however I can,” said Cameron. “I was able to 3D print a frame for a face mask filter, which allows one N95 mask to be cut into four squares.”
Cameron hcreated six masks as of last week and has donated the masks to three nurses and one doctor. He said the masks are made out of a material called PLA Filament.
“It’s a thin spoil of plastic that comes in all colors,” said Cameron. “The plastic is heated until it melts, then is deposited out of the nozzle onto the bed of the 3D printer. It builds the plastic up from the bottom layer by layer. The mask works by cutting out four squares of an N95 face mask, and inserting the squares into the frame. This allows one N95 mask to be made into four masks.”
Cameron said it takes 15 hours to make one mask.
“I can make about eight a week and hopefully by the predicted end of this pandemic, I can make about 40 masks,” said Cameron.
Cameron decided to start making masks in order to help support health care workers during this challenging time.
“I’m just hoping to help however I can,” said Cameron. “With so much time on my hands now, I can put my time to good use.”
Cameron said undertaking the initiative has taught him about the importance of giving back.
“I learned that if everyone helps in small ways, then it can make a big difference.”
Cameron’s father, Kevin, said he and his wife Bridget are incredibly proud of their son.
“My wife Bridget and I are very proud of Cam for his efforts in trying to help out with the mask shortage,” said Kevin. “He has always been a kind and caring kid, and loves anything to do with technology. This project was the perfect undertaking for him and he’s happy to do it.”
Middle School Principal Stephen Ralston agreed.
“Cam is an incredibly talented artist and he is one of the most creative students I have ever known,” Ralston said in an email sent to the Villager.
Cameron said he really enjoys 3D printing.
“I got into 3D printing because sometimes I would be working on a project and I would either not have the right part with me or it may just not exist,” said Cameron. “The 3D printer lets me create whatever I want.”
In addition to using his 3D printer and creating face masks for health care personnel, Cameron also enjoys tinkering with inventions he has made, creating art and playing hockey.