Apart Together
We all know that physical distancing should be practiced in conjunction with other everyday preventative measures, such as wearing a face covering and frequently washing hands to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. However, as workplaces and societies start to re-open, it can be more challenging to stay physically apart.
We’ve scoured the web for creative solutions from the 3D printing community to help you cope with some of the new challenges posed by the pandemic while helping you keep physical distance. Since we’ve already covered face masks and shields, we won’t be including those types of designs here.
Please note that these designs do not replace social and physical distancing practices suggested by local or national health departments and agencies.
Ear Saver
Since going back to work, many of us are now required to wear face masks all day. Unfortunately, for lots of people, their ears or heads are irritated by and suffer quite a bit of discomfort (even pain) after wearing a face mask for several hours. Bypassing the ears and connecting the ear loops, this band easily provides mask users with much needed comfort.
This designer recommends printing at a 0.35-mm layer height in PLA.
Who designed it? This print is based on a mask strap designed by Thingiverse user Marslam, but the popularized remix – with over 160,000 downloads and approval from the NIH – comes from user Suraky.
Who printed it? Over 250 Makes have been posted on Thingiverse, as well as 220 remixes. Given the approval of the NIH, we’re very confident in the printability of this design.
Where to find it? Thingiverse or NIH
Sanitizer Holder
Everywhere we go, we’re carrying sanitizer to disinfect our hands before or after touching high-contact surfaces. With this holder, you’ll have easy access to your portable sanitizer bottle, reminding you to keep using it.
The model is designed to fit 1-ounce bottles, and the keyring hole means you can attach it anywhere. The designer printed the model upright with supports.
Who designed it? Zakzakattackx
Who printed it? This design has been downloaded almost 600 times, though there are no posted Makes, yet.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Handle Grabber & Button Pusher
Due to the pandemic, door handles that require you to grip the whole handle in order to open it are now a possible source of contamination. Once you’ve gotten through a public door, you’ve likely become extremely conscious of the next thing you touch before you wash or sanitize your hands.
Enter the Savegrabber V2. This extremely useful design can help you to both open doors without touching the handle and press knobs or buttons (like in elevators or public transit). For those on the move, this is an extremely useful print.
The designer printed this in PLA at a 0.2-mm layer height with 55% triangular infill.
Who designed it? Coolioiglesias
Who printed it? At least 47 other users on Thingiverse have printed this model with and an additional 26 remixed versions of the design.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Clip-on Nose Bracket
Unlike medical masks, which contain a flexible metal strip to create a better seal around the nose, reusable cloth masks often don’t have this feature. The resulting gap can cause the mask to slip off your face or fog your glasses. Thanks to this design, which clips onto the top edge of your mask, the fit can be improved.
These clips were printed without supports and in PETG (so that they can handle a 60-°C wash). You can also remove the clips to clean and disinfect them separately from your mask.
Who designed it? Meanwhile
Who printed it? While it’s not clear how many people have printed this design yet, it’s been downloaded at least 270 times.
Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Glove Remover
This simple device reduces the risk of contamination when changing protective gloves. It’s especially useful for individuals who often have to wear gloves, like medical staff, beauticians, chefs, and so on.
The designer’s made the glove remover mountable to either a wall or pipe. You can see a full instructional video on their website.
Who designed it? Atoll
Who printed it? While it’s unclear how many people have printed the design, it’s clearly been made to be easily reproduced.
Where to find it? Atoll
Curtain Rod Holders
Part of physical distancing means that sometimes you need to create temporary barriers. Especially if you’re living in smaller spaces, this print will make it easier to put up a curtain when and where you need it.
The model fits a 13-mm tube and the designer printed it in PETG with bridge supports. It’s a fast print that should take under an hour to complete at a 0.15-mm layer height. You can mount it either with double-sided tape or two 3-mm screws.
Who designed it? kubajs
Who printed it? This new model was posted just over a month ago and, so far, has had 5 downloads.
Where to find it? PrusaPrinters
Social Distance Badge
While you may be doing your part during the pandemic to try and be physically distant to others, sometimes those around you might need a reminder. That’s where this design comes in: This badge is a visual cue for people to keep their distance.
According to the designer, you can print this model with any material and should do so face-down for the best finish. He also used a 0.3-mm layer height with a 0.6-mm nozzle. You can stick the clip to the back of the hand with glue or double-sided sticky tape.
Who designed it? CNCer
Who printed it? This design has been downloaded over 50 times.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Covid-19 Survival Kit
Just like a first aid kit provides the necessary essentials in an emergency, this Covid-19 kit is an effective way to always be prepared when you venture out in public. The design is a handy travel-size box with multiple compartments to carry hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, gloves, and a mask.
The designer suggests printing at a 0.1-mm layer height, and while he used ABS, PLA should be fine.
Who designed it? Ryan Stinebaugh
Who printed it? This design has been downloaded over 70 times.
Where to find it? PrusaPrinters
Adjustable Laptop Stand
To help you get through the pandemic while working from home, this multi-purpose stand for laptops, tablets, or documents is a great addition to your work setup. Now you can set whatever you’re reading or working from to a comfortable viewing height when seated at a table or desk. The angle is adjustable from 63° above or below the horizon, in 1° increments.
The parts were printed in PETG, though ABS or PLA should also work according to the designer. At the very least, it’s recommend to print the anti-skid pads in TPU. In total, the design should take about 40 hours to print with a 0.2-mm layer height.
Who designed it? NLarson
Who printed it? This design has been downloaded 67 times and has been made by at least one other user.
Where to find it? PrusaPrinters
Proximity Dress
Right off the bat, it should be obvious that this isn’t something the average 3D printing hobbyist can make. Nonetheless, it’s an incredible design that demonstrates the future of wearable technology. Designed by a Dutch-based high-tech fashion designer, Anouk Wipprecht, the “Proximity Dress” was created using a combination of 3D printed parts and electronics.
Based on her earlier Robotic Spider dress, the resin-printed collar of the Proximity Dress contains a sensor that alerts the wearer when people are approaching or coming too close.
Who designed it? Anouk Wipprecht
Who printed it? Anouk Wipprecht
Where to find it? (not publicly available)
Lead image source: NextConception via Thingiverse
License: The text of "Covid-19: 10 Prints to Help With Social Distancing" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.