By Laura Green
FRANKSTON handyman Jake Craddock has printed hundreds of “ear protectors” for mask wearers over the past two weeks by using a 3D printer.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced masks would be compulsory in public two weeks ago, following a surge in coronavirus cases statewide.
Mr Craddock sourced a design and printed the protectors, which wrap around the back of the head, for his friend who was experiencing sores from frequent mask-wearing .
“She had little cuts behind her ears as well and that just made me want to print them even more,” Mr Craddock said.
Community demand for the protectors skyrocketed within days.
“I was getting so backed up with requests and I just couldn’t keep up.”
Individuals, families, and businesses have all expressed interest in the ear protectors, including Peninsula Health, whose nurses now have to wear masks round-the-clock and suffer from sores behind their ears.
“Some people wear glasses, hearing aids, even one lady actually had half an ear, so she couldn’t actually hook it onto her ear at all.”
A community member helped Mr Craddock start a crowdfunding appeal online to buy a second 3D printer from Jaycar Electronics Frankston, who provided it at a discounted price.
The project has been so popular, he has considered purchasing a third printer.
Mr Craddock now provides the protectors for free to anyone who wants them.
“I’m not going to charge anyone because everyone is being forced to wear these at the moment and it’s not fair to have to pay to go and get masks with how expensive they are,” he said.
Mr Craddock estimates the cost of the protectors at about one dollar per piece, taking only six minutes to print.
The second printer will be donated to McClelland College in Frankston once demand for the ear protectors has been met.
First published in the Frankston Times – 3 August 2020
