Orfilight 3.2mm Low-Temperature Thermoplastic Sheet Material

Features

More Information

• Activation Technique
  1. Orfilight is activated by heating it at a temperature of 65°C (149°F). Possible activation sources are: Suspan water bath, heat gun or heating plate. The activation time depends on the heat source and varies from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. (e.g. at 65° C, 1.6 mm : 30 sec., 2.5 mm : 2 min., 3.2 mm : 3 min.)
  2. When using a Suspan water bath, it is recommended to soften the water by adding a teaspoon of liquid soap. ORFILIGHT can be towelled despite it is a sticky product. Accidental bonding can be un done by continous gentle traction.
  3. Since ORFILIGHT floats, it must be kept under water by placing it under the Suspan grill, or the net that is supplied with the Suspan (see picture).
  4. When ORFILIGHT is dry heated and adhesion is undesirable, both sides of the material must be rubbed with extra talcum powder before activation. When using a heating plate, the hot surface must be covered with a Teflon film. ORFILIGHT scalds at 150°C (300°F). It then becomes yellowish and tears easily.
  5. Note: Temperatures of 65°C (149°F) or more can be reached in the patient;s daily life.
  6. High temperatures up to a maximum of 120°C (248°F) do not damage ORFILIGHT, but are not user-friendly. Even higher activation temperatures are allowed on the condition that the activation time is reduced accordingly and that the product is sufficiently rubbed with talcum powder. Wear gloves and do not apply ORFILIGHT directly to the patients skin at these high activation temperatures.
  7. Never use an open flame to activate ORFILIGHT
• Working Properties
  - Cutting
  1. Draw the splint pattern on the ORFILIGHT sheet by means of a marker.
  2. With thick sheets cut the pattern roughly with a suitable pair of scissors or use a cutter. When using a cutter, carve a straight line and break the sheet in two.
  Note: Be careful when using a cutter; always keep the assisting hand away from the cutting line.
  3. To cut the precise splint contour in thick sheets with a pair of scissors, heat ORFILIGHT until it is formable but not yet stretchable.
  - Applying
  1. Activate the ORFILIGHT pattern until it is completely soft. The activation time depends on the material thickness: 1.6 mm = 1 min. / 2.5 mm = 2 min. / 3.2 mm = 3 min. drivenbycare 3 / 4 Take the pattern out of the water and allow the surfaces to cool or dry on a towel for a few seconds.
  2. Several application techniques are possible:
  - Gravity technique: the material forms itself under gravity.
  - Closed technique: form the material around the limb and stick the edges together.
  - Bandaging technique: secure the splint by means of a Latex bandage. Use the benefit of stretch and elastic properties of ORFILIGHT to a maximum.
  3. ORFILIGHT easily sticks to itself, less to porous surfaces. In case of accidental bonding, the 2 parts that are stuck can be taken apart when completely reactivated. Permanent adhesion of fixation straps and splint accessories is possible by dry heating the surface and by attaching under high pressure. In order to secure an self-adhesive bond it is paramount that both ORFILIGHT surfaces are BRIEFLY DRY heated at high temperature (max. 250°C – 482°F).
  4. Do not remove the splint from the patient before ORFILIGHT is sufficiently hardened. Excessive material should be trimmed before complete hardening. To do so, use a suitable pair of scissors. The cooling time can be shortened by means of cold air, a cold bandage or a cold spray
• Finishing
  - Trimming edges whilst the material is still relatively soft results in sealed edges. It is also possible to grind and polish the edges by using a coated abrasive wheel at low speed
• Cleaning Instructions
  - Orthoses made of ORFILIGHT should be cleaned daily.
  - Use lukewarm water and liquid soap, biological detergent or toothpaste, and rinse well.
  - Note: Never use solvents. Avoid acid detergents.
  - Sterilisation of ORFILIGHT orthoses in an autoclave is impossible.
  - Disinfection is possible with alcohol, quaternary ammonium or a solution of commercial disinfecting soaps (HAC, Sterilium, etc.)
• Precautions
  - Give the patient sufficient information about the exact use of the orthosis and about the possible constraints of the splint
  - Low temperature thermoplastics can only be kept for a limited period of time and must be protected as much as possible from light, heat and humidity
• Storage
  - ORFILIGHT should be stored in its original packaging.
  - Storage must be in a dark, cool, dry place at a temperature of min. 10°C (50°F) and max. 30°C (86°F).
  - Once removed from the packaging, leftover materials must be put back in the original packaging to avoid biodegradation.
  - The material ages in direct relation to storage conditions.
  - When too old, materials become brittle and too soft when activated
• Caution
  - ORFILIGHT is not suitable for internal use.
  - It may not be used on open wounds or in the mouth.
  - Never use an open flame to activate ORFILIGHT
  - To make orthoses and rehabilitation aids, ORFILIGHT may only be used by qualified health professionals