Lower Limb Orthotics (Membre inférieur)

Genay, France

Development and production of implants Development and prototyping The development and prototyping of all Groupe Lépine implants is carried out at our headquarters in Genay by our competent and efficient development department. Prototyping, which serves to test the suitability of the implant production plans, is also carried out in-house using 3D printers. Forge Groupe Lépine has its own forge in Orthez. Using this traditional method, we obtain a metal shape by hot or cold forming a metal plate. Almost 50 employees produce more than 3000 implants per year in our forge. Foundry operation In the initial production phase, the foundry ensures that implants with complex geometries achieve maximum precision. The implants are cast in the desired alloy in silicon molds. This is the only manufacturing process that takes place abroad, at the headquarters of the German subsidiary in Stade. Further processing Further processing of the workpieces takes place at Genay's production center. During this processing, the implant is given its final shape. Ceramics Certain heads and inserts are made of ceramic. A special process is required to shape them, which our factory in Genay has mastered to perfection. The main material consists of various aluminum oxides and is compacted by dry pressing and then heated to very high temperatures. This is followed by the precision mechanical processing phases (e.g. lapping and polishing).