EXPERIENCE: An industrial visit was organized by MGM Institute's University Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics (MGMIUDPO) for the Third Quarter for Academic Year 2022-23 event under Institution Innovation Council (IIC), MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai.
The visit was organized on 30th May 2023 to PROACTIVE Technical Orthopaedics Pvt. Ltd (PTO India) located at Nigdi, Pune where students from MGMIUDPO got exposure to the manufacturing. Assembling, and exporting of various Prosthetic and Orthotic components.
PTO India is the India's first manufacturing company, who manufactures the Prosthetic components and exports them globally over 30 countries. They have over 300 customers (Indian defence, National Institutes, Educational Institutes, NGOs, Private practitioner etc.) in India. They have their own designed machineries and fabrication unit along with a State of Art clinical set-up, wherefrom various types of Rehabilitation aids and appliances are being given to deserving ones.
They have a corporate office located at Nigdi and three factories located at MIDC Industrial area, Bhosari, within the vicinity of 5 KM radius. During the visit, the students were exposed to the process of designing & manufacturing of different Prosthetic components like Pyramid Socket Adapter, Four Prong Adapters, Double Mouth Adaptors, Prosthetic Feet etc. The process of manufacturing of components from raw materials to desired products was explained by the eminent professionals in a very interactive manner. They have the production of about 200 Prosthetics kits per month which gave students a large exposure of handling of mass production. Also students had seen working mechanism of Drilling Machine, Milling Machine, and Lathe Machine.
The visit proceeded to the modification and fabrication room. Students have seen various types of prosthetic limbs that is being used by the patients. Students learned that prosthesis not only helps in restoring the physical functionality of the body but also helps in boosting the morale and confidence of the patients.
In the modification and fabrication room, students learned how the moulds are customized for each patient to ensure a perfect fit. Students observed the skilled staff working on various stages of fabrication, including drilling, draping, and lamination. Students were then taken to the section where they saw various types of adaptors and knee joints being used in above knee and below knee prostheses. The company's experts explained about the benefits of each type of adaptor and knee joint and shared their experiences of working with patients who uses them. The company's experts also enlightened about the role of 3D printing in manufacturing of prosthetic components. Students learned about various softwares usec in 3D printing and how they are used to develop new and customized products.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Research and Development department, where students knew about the various ongoing projects. Students saw the latest prosthetic technologies being developed and how they will help in improving the life of people with disabilities.
Overall, the industrial visit was a highly informative. The visit provided a unique opportunity to observe the manufacturing process of prosthetic limbs. It was truly a memorable experience that has left a lasting impact on students.
No of Attendees: 09 students & 01 faculty.
