← Templates·Orthotist is a vocational training that alternates between school and training in a company. Here you get the entire course explained: basic course 1 and 2, the main course with its school stays, how long it all takes, and what you need to know to get in.·Materials and methods
Material guide: what is what in the workshop
A quick reference to the materials an orthotist works with and what they are used for
Preprocessing tool
§The classic materials
| Material | Typical application | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster | Impressions and models of the shape of the body | The foundation for many customised products |
| Thermoplastic | Rails and shells that are formed by heating | Must be heated precisely - watch out for burns |
| Leather | Straps, padding and parts of corsets | Requires saddlery techniques |
| Composite and carbon fibre | Light, strong constructions in e.g. prosthetics | Strong and light, but requires care with chemistry and dust |
§Metal and fine mechanics
Metal rails and hinges are included in many orthoses and prosthetics. This is where fine mechanics comes in: moving parts must fit precisely so the aid is both safe and comfortable. You work with bending, fitting and assembly of metal parts.
§Joining
- 01Thermal bonding for plastic materials.
- 02Lamination with resin for composites.
- 03Gluing and stitching for upholstery and straps.
- 04Mechanical assembly with screws, rivets and joints.
§The choice is determined by the body
In the end, the material is chosen based on what the patient needs: should the aid be light, strong, flexible or rigid? It is the interplay between material knowledge and understanding of the body that makes you a good orthotist.