3D Printing

3D printing refers to the process of building a three-dimensional object from a digital file. It was originally used for fast prototyping of industrial products and designs. By applying 3D printing techniques to orthotics, we can achieve a number of benefits for our patients.

Because 3D printing works by building an orthotic layer by layer, it allows us our orthotists far more flexibility in designing and manufacturing innovative and bespoke orthotics. This means that we can achieve treatment for our patients that are simply not possible within traditional manufacturing techniques.

For example, we can create an orthosis that has very precise variations in degrees of thickness and pressure, for maximum therapeutic impact. At the same time, we can manufacture orthoses that are lighter and cooler, and therefore more comfortable to wear.

We are developing some exciting new products at LOC that harness state-of-the-art design benefits thanks to additive manufacturing (3D printing).

Having purchased our first Markforged Mark II printer for small in-house engineering developments, we can now print continuous carbon fibre, kevlar and high tensile glass fibres.

This gives us greater freedom of design and engineering, whilst aiding our manufacturing team in the form of jigs, fixtures and devices for orthotic assessments.

The LOCband-Lite

Our in-house design team have developed the all-new LOCband-Lite based upon HP's Multijet Fusion technology (MJF). The 3D printed cranial helmet features a lightweight design thanks to the thinner wall thickness and vented meshes.

This has a number of tangible benefits for our patients: it is cooler and more comfortable to wear due to greater heat dissipation and reduced neck strain from the lightweight design. 

Click here to learn more about 3D printed cranial helmets

FAQS:

We have the following facilities and amenities at our Kingston Upon Thames location:

  • Free parking
  • Wheelchair ramp
  • Disabled toilet
  • Baby changing facilities

We also have the Gait Laboratory for orthotics patients and Onsite Manufacturing for speedy turnarounds and adjustments whilst you wait.

We have the following facilities and amenities at our Cambridge location:

We have the following facilities and amenities at our Bristol location:

  • Free parking directly outside the clinic
  • Large Waiting Room
  • Free tea, coffee and water
  • No Toys (Due to Health & Safety Requirements of the clinic)
  • Baby changing space (In clinic room)
  • Fully wheelchair accessible
  • Short walk to Clifton Village centre for shops, restaurants & cafes

For more information, visit Litfield House Medical Centre.

LOC’s clinic is based in the University of Salford’s Podiatry Department and provides treatments for orthotics, scoliosis, pectus deformities, positional plagiocephaly and club foot.

It is also the base for LOC’s northern OSKAR clinic which is run by Sam Walmsley, clinical director of LOC, in conjunction with Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP.

We have the following facilities and amenities at our Romford location:

  • Large waiting room
  • Disabled access toilet

Parking:

There is NO parking directly outside the clinic. These spaces are reserved for residents.

The nearest parking can be found at Billet Lane public pay & display opposite Queens Theatre, a 2-minute walk from the clinic.

Click here for more information about Best Health Clinic

Due to COVID-19, we have had to temporarily close the Salford clinic and are operating out of another clinic in Bolton. 

508 Blackburn Rd,

Astley Bridge,

Bolton

BL1 8NW

 

For more information, please visit The Good Health Centre 

RECENT POSTS

Cat Hendy nominated for BAPO student of the year

Apprentice orthotist Catherine Hendy’s journey into the world of prosthetics and orthotics began in an unconventional way. After completing a degree in art, she then trained as an orthotics technician, before taking up an apprenticeship to become a clinician. Now, she’s been nominated for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) Student of the Year 2024.

Amelia's plagiocephaly journey

Amelia was diagnosed with tightness in her neck by her GP before her plagiocephaly diagnosis. Clinician Jo Drake treated her with a LOCband Lite cranial remoulding helmet, which improved her overall head shape and asymmetry.

Guide to lower limb orthotics

What are lower limb orthotics, and how can they improve mobility and reduce pain? We've put together this summary of the different kinds of lower limb orthotics, from AFOs and KAFOs to more complex orthotics like RGOs, and how they can help patients with their mobility goals.

Barney's plagiocephaly journey

Barney's very severe flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and diagnosis of torticollis led to successful helmet therapy with the LOCband, significantly improving his head shape, going from 27mm asymmetry to 12mm.

Pectus bracing treatment improves Aris' complex chest deformity

“It’s life-changing, my swimming coach has even remarked what a difference my treatment has made" Read how pectus bracing treatment helped to correct Aris' complex chest deformity, involving a combination of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and rib flaring.

 Lucas's walking improves after just six months in his new AFOs

Cerebral palsy patient Lucas sees significant improvement in his walking after only six months in his new custom Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), designed by Professor Saeed Forghany in our Manchester clinic. Hear how a detailed gait analysis and bespoke AFOs significantly improved Lucas's gait and comfort.

Freddie's plagiocephaly journey

Freddie’s positional plagiocephaly was treated successfully with the LOCBand Lite, going from 11mm to 2mm after four months in his helmet.

Natasha can walk again thanks to her new orthotics

Adult club foot (talipes) patient Natasha says, "I cannot stress how amazing my AFOs are and how they have changed so much for me. The support they give me allows me to walk without crutches outside the house for the first time in over fifteen years."

Pevious Next

For Plagiocephaly free photo diagnosis, please upload images in accordance with our plagiocephaly photo guide (max. 2mb each).

For Pectus, please follow our pectus photo guide (max 2mb each).