AK Flexible Liners - Responses
John Brinkmann, CPO, FAAOP
Description
Collection
Title:
AK Flexible Liners - Responses
Creator:
John Brinkmann, CPO, FAAOP
Date:
4/2/2002
Text:
Dear List Members:
I received many helpful responses to my question (included below)
regarding material for AK flexible liners. Most respondents recommended
that I try Proflex with silicone from Filluar, which is claimed to have
the properties that I am looking for. Thanks to all who responded.
I've included two other recommendations after my original post.
John Brinkmann, CPO, FAAOP
Original Post:
Awhile back I submitted a question about flexible inner liner materials
for AKs. The responses were very helpful, and I have been using
Bioelastic (Northvane from Endolite) on AKs since then. There are
several things I like about this material: the ability to drape mold
since the material is self-adhesive, the ease of adjustability when
heated, and the stiffness that allows the frame to be cut down
significantly in key areas. What I don't like about it is: the weight
(I've been using 1/4), and the tackiness of the material (makes it
harder to don). I've also been told that long term the Bioelastic will
discolor.
My current question is: What material would provide sufficient stiffness
to allow cut down of the frame proximally (and still support the
proximal tissues), allow drape molding (be self-adhesive), BUT be less
tacky? I've used thin polyethylene prior to the Bioelastic, but like
the thicker, softer material.
Responses:
Try Duraflex from Guard Industries, Inc. It sticks well to itself
during
drape molding, is fairly rigid (even 3/16 thickness has been working
pretty
well for me) and it is known for being less tacky. They can be reached
at
800 535-3508.
***
I use Otto Bock Thermolyn Soft 12mm thickness for AK's I don't think it
will drape mold well and we blister mold it. I feel that the plastic
performs extremely well and justifies the slightly added labor to
produce
it. It is not tacky and if firm enough to leave the brim low for
flexibility in the top of the socket.
I received many helpful responses to my question (included below)
regarding material for AK flexible liners. Most respondents recommended
that I try Proflex with silicone from Filluar, which is claimed to have
the properties that I am looking for. Thanks to all who responded.
I've included two other recommendations after my original post.
John Brinkmann, CPO, FAAOP
Original Post:
Awhile back I submitted a question about flexible inner liner materials
for AKs. The responses were very helpful, and I have been using
Bioelastic (Northvane from Endolite) on AKs since then. There are
several things I like about this material: the ability to drape mold
since the material is self-adhesive, the ease of adjustability when
heated, and the stiffness that allows the frame to be cut down
significantly in key areas. What I don't like about it is: the weight
(I've been using 1/4), and the tackiness of the material (makes it
harder to don). I've also been told that long term the Bioelastic will
discolor.
My current question is: What material would provide sufficient stiffness
to allow cut down of the frame proximally (and still support the
proximal tissues), allow drape molding (be self-adhesive), BUT be less
tacky? I've used thin polyethylene prior to the Bioelastic, but like
the thicker, softer material.
Responses:
Try Duraflex from Guard Industries, Inc. It sticks well to itself
during
drape molding, is fairly rigid (even 3/16 thickness has been working
pretty
well for me) and it is known for being less tacky. They can be reached
at
800 535-3508.
***
I use Otto Bock Thermolyn Soft 12mm thickness for AK's I don't think it
will drape mold well and we blister mold it. I feel that the plastic
performs extremely well and justifies the slightly added labor to
produce
it. It is not tacky and if firm enough to leave the brim low for
flexibility in the top of the socket.
Citation
John Brinkmann, CPO, FAAOP, “AK Flexible Liners - Responses,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/218727.
