Evan Trusty has been interested in 3D modeling from a very young age. A new class at Trine University this spring allowed him not only to build on that interest, but to help others in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Trusty, a sophomore design engineering technology (DET) major who lives in Angola, has been 3D printing face mask holders for area businesses using a 3D printer and knowledge he gained in the university's Design for Additive Manufacturing class this past semester.

Evan's father, Tom, has taught in Trine's design engineering technology department for more than a decade, but Evan said his decision to major in DET came more out of his love for 3D modeling than a desire to follow in his dad's footsteps.

Trine University added the course in Additive Manufacturing, which is industry nomenclature for 3D printing, this spring to provide students training in this growing field. Frank Luchini, assistant professor of design engineering technology, teaches the class and said that while 3D printing was unheard of in manufacturing 10 years ago, it's becoming much more prevalent, particularly in the production of custom parts.

Anyone interested in the mask holders can contact Trusty at evantrusty2@gmail.com or (260) 243-2634.