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LAMINATED SOCKET Properties
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The project aim was to achieve objective, comparative results for a defined range of "typical" laminations used in Prosthetics and Orthotics and be able to determine the strengths of some of the layups currently used in the industry.
A lamination, in Prosthetics and Orthotics, is a composite consisting of filler material held together by a resin matrix. A resin transfer lamination method is used to laminate sockets in Prosthetics and Orthotics. The material layup is positioned between two PVA bags - an inner and outer. The inner bag is positioned on the cast or object over which the lamination will be formed, dividing the lamination from the object allowing easier removal of the lamination. Expelling air from the layup of materials through applying vacuum (achieved through the positioning of the outer bag which prevents air from being drawn in and resin from escaping) allows a complete lamination matrix to be formed.
A layup may comprise of several different materials eg. w layers of dacron, x layers of stockinette, y layers of glass fibres and z layers of stockinette. Resin is available in several types - the two most commonly used in Prosthetics and Orthotics being acrylic and polyester. The layup and the amount and type of resin used in a Prosthetic or Orthotic lamination is dependent on the lamination requirements ie. the requirements of the amputee. eg. the extremely active trans femoral amputee with a laminated socket has quite different requirements to the below-elbow amputee.
For the purposes of this project the lamination we refer to is, the lamination manufactured for a trans tibial socket.
