DATE: March 1, 2008
SPS asks Composite or Plastic?
ALPHARETTA, GA — Getting the best characteristics from both materials is not easy. But SPS' offering of the new versatile thermoformable carbon composite material, TFC from Fillauer, gets as close to perfect as possible.
TFC combines the high localized strength of carbon composite with the modeling properties of thermoplastics. Available in unidirectional & bidirectional reinforcement, the carbon fibers are interwoven with a revolutionary thermoplastic fiber that allows the material to be heated and formed at lower temperatures.
TFC can be custom formed to your mold with a heat gun or by placing the material into an oven. Extra reinforcement materials can be heated and applied to customize the brace for the patient's needs. The final custom lay-up is put into a standard oven under vacuum at a maximum of 430 F for 30-45 min. to consolidate the materials.
TFC is also completely heat remoldable, allowing adjustable fitting like thermoplastics and unlike prepregs. TFC is available in unidirectional & bidirectional reinforcement and 3 thicknesses, which can be cut simply with scissors. SPS has pre-fab kits in-stock for adult Solid AFO and Floor Reaction AFO are available. A Pediatric AFO Kit is also available at SPS. Alternatively, you may purchase flexible and rigid insoles (1.5 mm thickness) or flexible and rigid arch support blanks (2.5 mm thickness) from SPS.
To learn more about the new TFC material, kit, insole and arch support blank sizing , please call SPS Customer Service at 800.767.7776 x 3.
- Toll Free: (800) 767-7776 ext. 3
- Worldwide: (678) 455-8888 ext. 3
- After Hours Emergency: (877) 317-4570