Introduction: Crucial role in making technical accessories in orthotics and prosthetics is played by materials, which engineers use at their work. The materials are selected with regard to their properties and intended use, wherein a decisive factor is individual needs of a patient. Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible and educated for a suitable selection of materials and components. The most used are polymeric materials which are divided into three major groups: thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. Their important characteristic is the ability to be moulded in a plaster model. There are many manufacturers of polymeric materials worldwide. For making easier and faster distinction polymeric materials were named with commercial names and accompanied by instructions for use. Purpose: The aim of this diploma thesis is presentation of thermoplastic materials together with their chemical and phyisical properties. Additionally, we will use tables to show comparisons of proprietary names and characteristics of several polymeric materials produced by five companies, which are specialised in fields of orthotics and prosthetics, and are also able to supply them. Methods of work: The diploma thesis is based on a method of description as well as analysis of offers for materials formulated by five major suppliers, which currently dominate markets of orthotics and prosthetics. Results: In the first table properties of described materials (density, processing temperature, melting point and chemical formula) are shown, while in the remaining tables the names and properties (usage, temperature of processing) of polymeric materials of five suppliers are analysed. Discussion and conclusion: Some materials of different suppliers hold the same proprietary names, but a great majority of proprietary terms differs. Also, all included polymeric materials cannot be supplied by all companies, certain materials can be gained only by some of them. The overview of materials of various suppliers and their presentation in tables enabled us to collect important information on thermoplastics, which are used for making technical accessories. The tables allow us to connect proprietary names with polymeric materials and their characteristics.
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