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Brent Wright shares his experiences from the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) conference, highlighting innovations in 3D printing, data-driven technologies, and revealing his groundbreaking polar printer project for prosthetic sockets.

• AOPA attendance exceeded 2,000 people with 165 exhibitors including 30 new vendors
• Digital Showcase featured case studies for prostheses and orthoses using scanning technology
• Blasingtech impressed with 3D printing capabilities, producing foot orthoses in 30 minutes
• AI-designed scoliosis braces are outperforming experienced clinicians with better correction angles
• Radii's socket design algorithms now match skilled clinicians in patient comfort and feedback
• Tennr software helps clinicians identify missing documentation needed for insurance approval
• Brent reveals the "Vortex" - a polar printer with non-planar toolpaths creating sockets in under 2 hours
• Non-planar polar printing produces significantly stronger sockets than traditional layer printing
• Vortex printers are already in production with three units being prepared for clinical testing

Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode!

If you are interested in the Vortex DS1 please follow this link: Vortex DS1 3D Printer - Advanced 3D

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We catch up with Niles from Leonard Industries, our first-ever returning guest, as he reveals game-changing innovations in prosthetic and orthotic fabrication technology. This episode explores how new manufacturing tools are making fabrication faster, safer, and more consistent while helping address the industry's technical workforce challenges.

• Leonard Industries has expanded by acquiring a machine shop with enhanced capabilities
• Their revolutionary Wave Oven cuts heating time from 20 to 7 minutes using targeted infrared technology
• The oven creates consistent results with wider work windows, eliminating the need to flip materials
• Safety innovations include emergency stops, magnetic starters, and controlled heating
• Multiple oven models accommodate different fabrication needs, from standard to large KFO applications
• The "toast test" demonstrates heating consistency by showing how evenly bread slices brown
• Leonard Industries will showcase their technology at the upcoming AOPA conference
• The company has helped establish safer educational environments at O&P schools
• Niles emphasizes making fabrication more accessible to new technicians through consistency and automation
• Their aluminum construction ovens use less energy while providing more precise heating control

Visit the Leonard Industries booth at AOPA to see live demonstrations of their new fabrication technology, including the Wave Oven, dust collection systems, and fume extractors.

Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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We preview the upcoming AOPA National Assembly in Orlando, discussing what makes this prosthetics and orthotics trade show valuable for professionals across the industry.

• AOPA (American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association) National Assembly happening September 3-6 in Orlando, Florida
• 165+ exhibitors representing various aspects of the O&P industry
• Educational tracks covering clinical, technical, business, and pedorthic topics
• Up to 34 continuing education credits available in person, with 100+ hours of online content afterward
• Hands-on technical laboratory for fabrication techniques and safety equipment demonstrations
• Digital Showcase featuring case studies and workflow solutions from different vendors
• Administrative Law Judge mock trial simulating insurance appeal processes
• Strong 3D printing presence with 33+ companies showcasing additive manufacturing solutions
• Notable exhibitors including long-established companies and first-time participants
• Importance of consistency at trade shows for building relationships and trust in the industry
• Networking opportunities that facilitate business connections and partnerships

Join us at the Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast booth where we'll be broadcasting live throughout the event!

Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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