David Chayka ’17 and his son Matthew.

David Chayka (’17 PharmD) is a clinical pharmacist with a side business utilizing a personal passion — 3D printing.

That business is temporarily on hold while his six 3D printers work virtually around the clock producing face shields to protect Sacramento-area health care workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I just had an order of 250 go out to area hospitals, mainly intensive care units,” Chayka said. “This had been a hobby then it turned into a small business. But once I saw the need with our health care people on the front line, my printers have been going pretty much 24/7 producing PPE (personal protection equipment). I am glad to be doing it.”

When he is at work, his 11-year-old son Matthew watches over the printers.

“He has been trained on the basics of 3D printing and can do pretty much everything needed to keep the printers going when I am not around,” said Chayka, who lives in Citrus Heights. “It is a great experience for him.”

In an online message to the community, Chayka wrote:

“I will keep trucking away with my little factory helping anyone who asks with the resources I have. It would be amazing to do more, but that is not possible without your help. The funds raised from this endeavor will be put towards additional 3D printers, filament and part maintenance. It would mean the world to not only me but to the front-line nurses, techs, doctors, and all of the essential personnel risking their lives. Thank you for your time and understanding.”

Chayka just ordered three more printers so that he can produce even more masks for health care workers. If you would like to contribute to Chayka’s efforts, you can do so through his GoFundMe campaign.