Algeos stock a wide range of plastics and rigid materials for use in functional Orthotic manufacture. Rigid materials assist in the treating of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles problems, pronation, and even heel, knee or back pain. The same materials can also prove beneficial to sufferers of both arthritis and diabetes. All of these conditions can be aided by the correct control and stability of the foot, hence functional Orthotic design. Rigid materials are core to functional design. As a general rule, the more severe the structural problem, the more rigid the material needed for correction — provided joint motion is available for realignment. Algeos supplies rigid materials in both sheet and in pre-cut template/blank formats. The latter can come in the form of either cut blocks ready for the milling machine or heat mouldable orthotic blanks. Each of these materials can be used in different ways for various applications. If used correctly, our plastic materials will produce a product which is comfortable, functionally enduring and pleasing to the eye.

AFO using red polypropylene

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a rigid material that exhibits great flexibility and impact strength. We supply two types of Polypropylene:


Homo-Polymer Propropylene
100% Polypropylene. This plastic has a very high rigidity and is more rigid than copolymer polypropylene. This makes it the material of choice for thinner applications. Moulding temperature: 180° - 200°C

Typical applications: Frame sockets, AFOs, KAFOs, DAFOs and RGOs.

Co-Polymer Polypropylene
Contains up to 15% Polypropylene and produces solid foot orthoses but can require thicknesses of up to 6mm. Moulding temperature: 180° - 200°C

Typical applications: AFOs, KAFOs and RGOs.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene in general is an excellent material and is well suited to the manufacture of foot orthoses. It does not shrink when heated and can therefore be accurately cut before the heating process.This material also incorporates an excellent property, in that the material will change colour from flesh-coloured to translucent when heated to a specific temperature.


We supply various types of polyethylene:

Surlyn

Surlyn is an Ethylene Methacrlyic Acid Co-Polymer. It is a transparent mixture (lownomer) of low density Polythene and metallic acrylates. It is used in upper and lower extremity orthotics, body jackets and flexible prosthetic socks.

It has excellent contract clarity (for burn patient application) and is long lasting and durable.


Oven temperature: 180°C - 190°C

Polydor

A Poly-Methyl Methacrylate (modified) which moulds at 175 deg. C. Manufactured as a replacement for Plexidur/Rohadur, this high-quality acrylic that finishes well and produces a see through transparent which is very strong.

We supply this ‘easy to form’ plastic in two colours: amber and green. Available in three thicknesses.


Moulding temperature: 170° - 180°C

Madrilen 1000 and 500

Madrilen 1000 and 500 are non-extruded plastics of extreme strength. They are both low-pressure polythenes, but the latter has a lower molecular weight. As a matter of principle Madrilen 1000 is used for highly stressed appliance areas where as the 500 plastic is used for areas which are subject to little stress.

Madrilen 1000:

Madrilen 500:

We supply Madrilen 500 in sheets and Madrilen 1000 in both sheets and cut blanks (Lingen).