Case Studies

External fixation is a medical process for stabilizing severe bone fractures involving tissue trauma.

Originally the components of this procedure were all heavy metallic devices that interfered with X-ray imaging. Occasionally, they would even heat up and cause patient discomfort during operations. One of the primary international suppliers of these products asked GCi to create a product capable of meeting the critical structural and thermal requirements, yet also be radiolucent. GCi went on to develop its high performance Resin Transfer Molding (HPRTM) cells. Combining these cells with traditional prepreg molding concepts, we were able to create a hybrid process that met all of the structural and cosmetic requirements in one operation. Sixteen years later, these products are still an industry standard.