With successful outcome of the testing phase, commercialization of the device will begin. Methodology - The evaluation and final development of the device will take part in two phases. In the first phase, various enhancements to the device are being tried and evaluated while at the same time the laboratory prototype of the machine is being used for remote manufacture of sockets for clinical fittings. In the second phase, three beta prototype machines will be designed, manufactured and placed in clinical settings for on-site production of sockets. The device uses a technique of plastic deposition to fabricate sockets.
Plastic material is melted and extruded through a shape forming die as a ribbon of melted material.
The chief focus for device enhancements has been mechanisms for cooling of the melted plastic after deposition. Various means of air cooling have been investigated including the use of refrigerated air and building the socket in a cabinet enclosure. As an alternative, liquid cooling has also been explored. Before liquid cooling can be applied to the routine fabrication of sockets, the mechanical strength of fabricated components must first be established. Clinical trial of sockets has been ongoing with two sockets still in use after two and three years, respectively.