When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
There’s nothing wrong with giving your feet a little love. With the help of polymers like polypropylene and polyethylene, it’s easy to keep your puppies hushed.
What Makes Your Dogs Bark?
Our feet take us everywhere. Whether we drive, walk, jog, run, jump, rollerblade, or bike, we rely on our feet to get us where we need to go. What we don’t realize is how much weight and pressure our feet are under with every step we take. Physicists have estimated the impact of each step at 4.5 times your body weight for day-to-day activities, six times your weight when walking, and 20 times your weight for jumping. At a brisk walk, someone who weighs 200 pounds would be putting 1,200 pounds of pressure on each foot, or 4,000 pounds when jumping. This can be a serious shock to your feet, and if you carry extra weight, the strain is much greater. With all of this weight and pressure, it’s no wonder our tootsies ache at the end of the day.
Functionally Accommodating
We’re always looking for ways to make our favorite or stylish shoes more comfortable. One answer is the orthotic shoe insert. Orthotic inserts add a layer of extra shock support to help support your joints. They can be custom-made to assist with walking issues such as overpronation or oversupination. Overpronation occurs when weight is transferred from the heel to the forefoot and the foot rolls inward. Oversupination is the opposite, the foot rolls out, placing more weight on the outside of the foot.
When buying orthotics, there are many factors to consider, such as the need for the orthotic, i.e., whether it’s functional or accommodative. A functional orthotic focuses on biomechanics and can aid in correcting problems. These orthotics are usually custom-made using measurements taken by a doctor or professional. Accommodative orthotics offer comfort and protection with minimal correction of foot issues. These orthotics can be purchased in stores or online. Some accommodative orthotics can be used in conjunction with functional orthotics, though you should consult your doctor to be sure. The base materials used in the development of foot orthotics also play a role in the purchase.
Polymers, Leather, and Composites
The material(s) used in orthotics determines the function they’ll serve for the wearer.
Leather
Leather was the original orthotic material used to make arch supports. The shoemaker would mold it to make a higher medial flange to support the mid-foot and flatter heel cup. It’s still used today as a more comfortable covering for rigid orthotics.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics can be molded to replicate the foot, when heated. After it’s cooled, the molded shape is retained by the material. Thermoplastics offer an array of plastics used for orthotics. They come in different thicknesses, strengths, and colors, and are used in functional foot orthotics.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a lightweight, high-strength polymer in comparison with other materials — and it’s recyclable. Ultimately, thermoplastics offer a thin, durable and rigid functional orthotic that is thin enough to slip into dress shoes undetected. However, a chip or other damage can lead the orthotic to crack.
Cork
Cork is a natural material and creates a thermoformable sheet when blended with rubber binders. The material, then called thermocork, can be adjusted using a sanding wheel. It comes in many different weights and widths. It vacuums well to offer a strong, but tolerant orthotic. Thermocork lite is a cork and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blend.
Subortholen
This polymer is more widely known as high-molecular-weight, high-density polyethylene (HDW-HDPE). It’s a waxy, sturdy, inert, and elastic polymer. This allows for a high melt strength, and the material is then deep drawn without thinning. After the heating and vacuum process, modifications can be made by simply cold forming (hammering). Subortholen is used in functional foot orthotics.
Acrylic
Acrylic is also used in orthotics. For example, Rohadur is a nylon-acrylic copolymer made up of methyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile. This acrylic is heat-moldable and available in varying thicknesses. It’s used in orthotics where more functional control is desired.
Composite carbon fibers
Composite carbon fibers are made by combining acrylic with carbon fibers. This combination creates stiff sheets of material that is suitable for thin functional orthotics. The composite material is more challenging to manipulate because of its higher softening temperature; faster vacuuming and absolute accuracy when molding. Modifications are difficult on the finished product.
Polyethylene Foams
There is a wide-range of materials in the polyethylene foam category. They go by various trade names such as Aliplast®, Dermaplast® and Plastazote®. They are all cross-linked polyethylenes (CL-PE) creating closed-cell foams. These materials are perfect for full contact, shock and pressure reducing accommodating orthotics.
These materials are synthetic and widely used in accommodative orthotics
EVAs are open-cell, which allows for breathability and cushioning, while closed-cell provides cushioning. Polyurethane foam is used because of its light-weight and cushioning support. Neoprene in orthotics is used for shock absorption, impact reduction and general comfort. Silicone gel composed of polyurethane gel is used to relieve pain, absorb shock, and provide overall cushioning.
Off the Beaten Footpath
Sols is a company that takes a 10-second video of your foot and translates that into a custom, 3D-printed foot orthotic using NASA grade nylon with an antimicrobial coating.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, Ortholite® offers a polyurethane insole that is made from almost 50% bio-oil, using castor oil. This insert conforms to your foot over time, creating an insert customized by you.
There are a variety of materials used in orthotics offering everything from corrective help, to shock absorption, to just plain comfort. With a little bit of research and a conversation with your doctor, you should be able to find the foot orthotic that’s right for you.
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