OVERVIEW

3D printing uses a shell material called PA11. It is lighter than polypropylene with a similar flex and faster rebound rate.

The thickness of PA11 is customisable and accurate to the microns you prescribe.  (E.g. 2.25mm, 2.35mm, 2.45mm). This also means that if you want to order a second pair, it will be identical to the first with no room for human error or misinterpretation.

If you’re not sure how PA11 compares to poly, 3mm is comparable to 3mm poly, 4mm is comparable to 4mm poly and 5mm is comparable to 5mm poly. Note although Poly-X and PA11 are both 3D printed, they are different materials and produce different results

PA11 is a plant-based material that is made from the castor plant. It is a renewable source and does not compete with our food for consumption.

Composite is the ultimate shell material for one-directional athletes, high-performance devices, and patients who require good support in dress shoes. It is lighter, thinner and has more than twice the rebound/return rate of poly and EVA.

Our XT Carbon Composite panels incorporate state-of-the-art carbon fibre reinforcement technology, making them thin and light yet incredibly strong and durable.

• Distance runners will enjoy the fast rebound out of pronation.
• Snow skiers will immediately feel the responsiveness in the shell when transferring weight from one edge to the other.
• Cyclists with carbon shank shoes will appreciate the rigidity of the orthotic yet still feel the flex underfoot.  

The dual density EVA orthotic gives you added functional control by allowing you to select two different density layers so you can create a superior customised device for your patients. 

• The bottom layer – 10mm thickness, makes ground contact, often chosen to be firmer to improve stability and durability of the orthotic, but can be softer to help absorb shock and lessen the impact on bruised heels
• The top layer – up to 30mm thickness, makes contact with the arch, is often selected to be softer than the bottom layer for cushioning and comfort, but can be firmer to reinforce the arch and improve midfoot control

Your patient’s arch height determines the precise maximum thickness of the device and of the top layer. The top layer begins on top of the 10mm bottom layer.

When two layers are used, their differing colours created a multi-coloured effect. 

Subortholene is lightweight, strong, flexible and has excellent stress crack resistance. It molds well over deep heel cups and flanges. It can also be thinned without cracking.

We recommend subortholene if you have a patient that needs a rigid device but has problems with tolerating firmer devices, as the material will distort and reshape to some extent once worn. Hence, we’d describe it in part as an ‘accommodative-rigid’ device.