17 Mask-O-Matics are currently making over 20,000 masks per day!
Mask Making
In our current crisis, we are blessed to be able to help by producing masks and shields. The challenge we encountered was how to quickly produce the best possible product for the public while maximizing efficiency. With no time to purchase complicated machinery, we conceived of the Mask-O-Matic which can be made quickly and affordably with readily available supplies.
Our hope is that by providing these plans for free, many companies can replicate our success and help as many people as possible.
Please give us your feedback and images as you create your own masks.
Here is a little insight into our motivation:
Fully assembled and loaded Mask-O-Matic
Ready to make one? You can do it!
Can’t make it and want to buy one?
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Download PDF plans (click to download)
The Mask-O-Matic can be assembled in less than two hours with moderate skills and a workshop. Some components may be substituted if you can’t source them. Use your best MacGyvering skills to figure it out.
Cut the parts and gather the components per the spec sheet.
Using screws, assemble the components of the main body per the pictures.
Assemble the roll turntable by securing the swivel to the circular plywood and attach it to the end of the body.
Attach the vertical material guide bar from the bottom body board and add elastic to maintain the material tension.
Load the roll and feed it under the elastic of the straight dowel
Build the material folder support and attach it to the bottom board of the body. Attach spring wire to the support. **Important** The folding wire needs to extend to the other side of the material funnel, be rounded over and aligned vertically with the opening.
Add cardboard or chipboard strip from the wood funnel to the end of the top board. Attach elastic to the opening.
Heat each end of the PVC with a heat gun or in an oven or even a BBQ until the ends are soft enough to press each end flat on a table, let cool and sand smooth. Pre-drill and recess a screw into each end. **Important** Elevate the exit end 1/2″ from the funnel board. This allows the springs to fold the fabric under the PVC.
Add Chipboard or similar material to guide the material from the funnel to the end of the top board.
Bend and attach a spring folder on each side of the funnel towards the end. Place two screws on each side of the end of the funnel for to hold the springs, allow for loading and adjust tension.
Add the final piece of elastic at the end.
Place heat sealer at the end of the Mask-O-Matic and plug it in.
Add a gauge to give a distance guide. We use 7.5″
Congratulations! Time to load and make some masks.
Adjust the temperature of the impact heat sealer to melt completely through the material while sealing both ends. It may take two cycles and a little tearing action to release the mask. Order a few replacement elements and teflon for your heat sealer. You will push it to the limits.
Frequently look down line to be certain the material is feeding properly and folding in half. Once you seal your first cut, the shape will continue well.
Troubleshooting
Be certain the roll is turning freely
The folding spring may not be aligned properly.
The foam block may be too far or close to the end.
**Most likely** Adjust the spring tension. Hold the fabric in place while setting the springs. They should direct the fabric and not squeeze too tightly.
Use a slight tug as the final melt occurs.
How do you top the Mask-O-Matic? Add the Strapinator!
Cut straps exactly the proper size ready to attach to your masks.
- Sewing process: Wind the strap material, mark the middle point, cut straps through the slot.
- Adhesive tape: Wind the strap material, attach transfer tape, cut straps through the slot.
Transfer Tape:
Sewn Straps:
Build Your Strapinator
Cut the parts and gather the components per the spec sheet.
Download .dxf
Using screws, assemble the barrel and stand. Line up the notches on the wheels for before assembling.
Wrap the barrel with chipboard or poster board leaving a gap between the slats for the cut line. there is one notch in the side wheeled for the cut slot
Draw a line between the three notches on each wheel
Staple a 2″ strip of stretched elastic to the left of the cut slit
Add cardboard or chipboard strip stapled to the right side of the cut slot allowing for the strap to be tucked under.
Make some straps
Slide the strap under the elastic to hold.
Turn the drum lining up the straps edge to edge without overlap
Tuck the end under the tab and cut.
Turn the barrel to the center line and insert the locking pin into the side.
Apply 5″ of transfer tape to each strap.
Unlock the barrel and rotate it to the cut slot. Cut all of the straps
Remove the tape covering and place the mask body slightly less than half way over the strap
Fold one side of the strap exactly in half. ***important*** if any adhesive is not covered by a strap, it will remove the hair from the mask wearer!
Fold the other side in half and complete the fold across the mask body. Press down on the entire strap.
Fold one side of the strap exactly in half. ***important*** if any adhesive is not covered by a strap, it will remove the hair from the mask wearer!
Fold the other side in half and complete the fold across the mask body. Press down on the entire strap.
Repeat the process on the other side of the mask and finish.
Production Cycle Times
Mask-O-Matic: 9-10 seconds per mask: 360 per hour
Strapinator: Transfer Tape, 200 per hour
Strapinator: cut to length for sewing: 2000 per hour
Transfer Tape Attachment: 30 seconds per mask: 120 per hour
Sewing attachment procedure: 60 seconds per mask: 60 per hour.
Material Data
Spunbond Polypropylene
It features high filtration and water droplet repellency. This is the best we can find for a “community mask”.
Transfer Tape
Pacific makes no healthcare or medical claims regarding the masks or materials made with the Mask-O-Matic or Strapinator.
Contact us regarding masks or the Mask-O-Matic