How to Drape Form with Orfitrans

The drape forming method is a tried and tested method for the fabrication of (inner) prosthetic sockets and orthoses. In contrast to the bubble forming method, drape forming involves using a flat, heated thermoplastic sheet and manually forming it around a model.

Thanks to its self-adhesive properties, Orfitrans Excel lends itself perfectly to this method. It is a lightweight material that pulls easily and uniformly for comfortable sockets and orthoses.

Both drape and bubble forming work perfectly to create qualitative, durable O&P products. The choice between the two methods is entirely dependent on the personal preference of the prosthetist.

The drape forming method has a couple of specific benefits:

• Vacuum equipment is not required. However, we recommend that drape forming be combined with a vacuum to optimize the thermoforming.
• Drape forming makes it easier to maintain an even thickness across the entire socket or orthosis.

You could consider using drape forming in the following instances:

• When you are working with smaller models.
• When an even thickness is essential.
• When using thinner thermoplastic sheets.
• For orthotic applications.