Under Armour designs no-sew face masks
Working to support the nearby University of Maryland Medical System’s (UMMS) 28,000 health care providers and staff, sports brand Under Armour (UA) is manufacturing and assembling face masks, after deciding on a one-piece mask design that does not require sewing.
The mask’s origami-style folds mold the breathable yet moisture-resistant fabric into the desired mask shape.
UA is also working on face shields and specially equipped bum bags, as well as exploring fabricating hospital gowns for the statewide medical system.
"When the call came in from our local medical providers for more masks, gowns and supply kits, we just went straight to work," said Randy Harward, SVP of advanced material and manufacturing innovation at Under Armour. “More than 50 Under Armour teammates from materials scientists to footwear and apparel designers from laboratories in Baltimore and Portland quickly came together in search of solutions.”
In deciding upon the design, the team wanted to create a protective mask that could be produced very quickly, in mass volumes, and could provide a barrier between the wearer and those around them. Mr Harward is said to have introduced the challenge to the UA team after hearing an interview with an Italian doctor who reported that if more masks had been available in his country—even simple face masks—spread of the virus could have been significantly reduced.
“It was a nonstop iteration for a week until we finally got to where we are today,” he said.
The brand is also exploring 3-D printing N95 and N80 masks for medical professionals.
