Localization of Composite Prosthetic Feet: Manufacturing Processes and Production Guidelines

Abstract

Amputation levels in Egypt and the surrounding neighborhood requires a state intervention to localize the manufacturing of prosthetic feet. Amputations are mainly due to chronic diseases, accidents, and hostilities’ casualties. The prosthetic foot type is classified traditionally according to the number of axial rotational movements, and recently according to the energy activeness of the foot. The localization of this industry needs a preliminary survey of the technological levels with respect to the foot type. Upon the results of this survey, the energy storage response foot has appealing metrics to proceed with its manufacturing. A prototype manufacturing chain is designed and a set of these feet with a certain commercial size of 27 is manufactured. The feet are tested according to ISO 22675. Based on the successful results, a manufacturing value chain is proposed with the prospective resin transfer molding technology. This value chain will guarantee the required localization as well as the natural growth of this value chain with all related activities like accreditation of practices as well as manpower certification.