How Foundry Techniques Play a Role in the Production of Modern Prosthetics and Implants

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A foundry casts parts out of aluminum, steel, and other metals using different casting methods. Each method depends on customer specifications and the type of metal being cast. Many businesses and manufacturing processes rely on metal casts made from a foundry. The foundry industry is recognized as one of the most fundamental industries in the world.

In fact, many advancements in the medical field have been achieved by using foundry technology, specifically the advancement of prosthetics and implants. Each model is designed to fit the individual uniquely: a cast is made of plaster before being coated in a separate layer of plastic to mold the shape at the joints and connecting points. The medical industry utilizes these various casts (sometimes made of metal) to produce the implants used in knee replacements and reconstructive surgery.

The first prosthetic was used back in Egyptian times when a toe prosthetic was discovered in the 1800s on an Egyptian mummy. The artificial leg started out in the Middle Ages as what we call a peg leg, mainly depicted as being used by cartoon pirates (often accompanied by a hand hook). In reality, the peg leg was used by many amputees and seen as extremely useful for walking and mobility. 1945 was the year following World War II, when most limbs were made of a combination of wood and leather: the most revolutionary in design for the time. However, the material was bulky, heavy, and difficult to keep clean on a regular basis, often leading to infection. Jumping forward to the 2000s, the design of prosthetics has progressed considerably to robotic technology and lightweight materials like titanium or aluminum that allow for mobility and pliability.

These considerable advancements have not only increased general ease of life for amputees and those born without certain limbs, they have also made it possible for next level athletic competition. There are currently a total of 27 sports and 598 medal events that make up the Paralympics. A few winter events include snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ice sledge hockey, while summer events include popular events such as powerlifting, cycling, and football. 

Foundry Furnace Types

Foundry furnaces are used for non-ferrous metal melting and holding and vary in equipment specifications, based on the metal being processed. Heat treat furnaces are also used in the foundry industry and are designed to meet unique specifications. Lindberg/MPH’s experienced team works side by side with customers to meet these requirements. For more information about Lindberg/MPH’s Non-Ferrous Melting and Holding and Heat Treat Furnaces, contact us at (269) 849-2700 or visit www.lindbergmph.com. Be sure to follow Lindberg/MPH on both Facebook and LinkedIn for more information like the above along with company and product updates!