What kind of company is Maidfirm, and what are the characteristics of your products?

Maidfirm是一家怎样的公司？你们的产品有哪些特性？

Today, the thermoplastic materials employed in orthosis fabrication are known as low temperature thermoplastics (LTTPs). We activate these materials with relatively low heat, specifically water heated between 60 - 70°C (140° - 170°F). In contrast, other high - temperature thermoplastics demand much higher activation temperatures, exceeding 100°C (210°F). One of the key advantages of LTTPs is that they can be directly applied to patients during the orthosis molding process. This marks a significant departure from the practices of previous generations of therapists. Back then, they had to work with high - temperature products, which necessitated creating molds of patients' arms.

Currently, there is a wide array of LTTPs available on the market. When it comes to orthosis manufacturing, understanding the appropriate orthotic design tailored to a patient's needs is just as crucial as choosing the right LTTP. This dual - focus approach ensures that the fabricated orthosis is not only correct in terms of the manufacturing process but also offers reliable support, durability, and comfort. A well - fitting and comfortable orthosis is more likely to be accepted and used as prescribed by patients, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

When we understand the unique features of each material, choosing the right Low Temperature Thermoplastic (LTTP) becomes straightforward. Here is a glossary of terms for LTTP characteristics:

Rigidity: It represents the material's strength. High rigidity is essential for large orthoses, orthoses for specific conditions like spasticity, and those that withstand significant forces.

Memory: This is the material's ability to regain its original size and shape after stretching. It's crucial when frequent orthosis remolding is needed, such as in serial orthotic fabrication for gradual extension or flexion. Memory makes the material more cost - effective. When using materials with good memory, let the orthosis harden fully before removal; otherwise, it may deform quickly. LTTPs with excellent memory might take longer to harden, so patience is required.

Coating & Bonding: Some LTTPs are coated to ease handling and prevent unwanted adhesion. Bonding is the material's capacity to stick to itself or other substances. Non - stick coated materials won't bond until the coating is removed, while non - coated materials have strong self - adhesion and adhesion to other attachments. Orfit Industries labels its non - stick coated products as "NS" (see question 9 for details).

Conformability (Drapability): It refers to how well the material adapts to the hand's shape. Highly drapable materials work best with gentle handling, easily conforming to arches or bony prominences when placed on the patient. They rely on gravity. Low - drapability materials need firm handling and are suitable for larger splints where moldability is less critical.

Resistance to Stretch: This is the material's resistance to being stretched when heated. High resistance requires slow, firm, and steady stretching. Low resistance means careful control during stretching; otherwise, over - pulling can cause the material to stretch uncontrollably.

Activation Temperature: It's the temperature at which the thermoplastic material becomes pliable for molding. Water that's too cold won't make the material pliable, while water that's too hot will make it overheated, sticky, and hard to work with. The ideal temperature for most LTTPs is 60 - 70°C (140° - 160°F). Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each LTTP.

Perforations: Perforations in the thermoplastic material allow skin ventilation and reduce the material's weight. There's a wide range of perforation percentages and patterns, which are often illustrated in product catalogs. Ensure the chosen perforation style suits the orthosis you're making.

Thickness: LTTP thickness matters. Thinner materials like 1.6 mm (1/16”) and 2.0 mm (1/12”) are suitable for small orthoses, while larger ones may need thicker materials such as 2.5 mm (1/8”) or 3.2 mm (3/32”). Thinner LTTPs activate and harden faster, with a shorter working time. Thicker materials take longer to soften but have a longer working time and retain more heat, so they need to be cooled slightly before use.

Working Time: It's the time from when the material is fully heated until it cools. Novice clinicians may prefer materials with a longer working time, while experienced ones can handle LTTPs that cool and harden quickly.

Pre - cuts: These are ready - to - use orthotic designs cut from specific LTTPs, ordered by size and hand type. They can be heated and molded to the patient's extremity. Accurate patient measurement is crucial for each design.

Prefabricated/PreformedOrthoses: These are already molded into a specific shape. They need to be carefully adjusted to fit the patient's extremity. While they save time and effort, they may not fit as well as custom - made orthoses.

What are some of the basic characteristics of low temperature thermoplastic materials?

低温热塑性材料有哪些基本特性？

What are Low Temperature Thermoplastic Materials (LTTP)?

什么是低温热塑性材料 （LTTP）？