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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

Locations:

Locations Kingston upon Thames (HQ) Cambridge Bristol Romford Manchester

FAQS:

What are your facilities at the Kingston clinic?

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.

What facilities are at the Cambridge clinic?

We have the following facilities and amenities at our Cambridge location: Gait Laboratory Free parking outside the clinic Disabled toilet

What facilities are at the Bristol clinic?

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.

What facilities are at the Manchester OSKAR clinic?

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.

What facilities are at the Romford clinic?

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

Where is LOC's temporary Manchester 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