America Makes awarded $3M to create N95-level filter materials for respiratory PPE

America Makes has been awarded $3 million to manufacture a prototype of N95-level nonwoven filter materials for respiratory personal protective equipment.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology through American Rescue Plan funds.

“This work will tie closely to the work done over the last 24 months to show additive manufacturing as a viable supply chain solution in a time of crisis, and help the United States achieve supply chain resiliency,” John Wilczynski, America Makes executive director, said in a news release.

“We know the Valley has some of the best manufacturing talent in the country — and with investments like this, Ohio is burying the term ‘Rust Belt’ by leading the next generation of U.S. economic growth and manufacturing, and putting people to work at good-paying jobs,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in the release.