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(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 24, 2011 ) Keighley, UK -- If youÂ’re trying to decide on which is the right wheelchair for you, then there a number of factors to take into consideration, namely the type of chair.
* Self propelled.
* Powered.
* Transit/Attendant.
* Folding.
In addition to the chair type, thereÂ’s the width of the chair, the activities and performance that is required of the chair, and of course there are all of the accessories that you can choose from.
Probably one the most important decisions to make, is the weight of the chairs frame. In recent years the design and manufacture manufacture of wheelchairs has evolved considerably, and now itÂ’s possible to buy ultra lightweight wheelchair frames because of the advances in new materials and technology.
The materials used for making a lightweight wheelchair frame.
There are typically four types of materials used in the manufacture of lightweight wheelchair frames, and they are.
* Aluminium.
* Carbon Fibre.
* Titanium.
* Other composites.
Manufacturers have looked to the aerospace industry for their weight saving inspiration, as aircraft manufacturers like to use cutting edge materials to make their aircrafts stronger, lighter and more economical, so wheel chair designers and manufacturers have tried to follow suit.
Aluminium frames.
The majority of lightweight wheelchairs are made from aluminium, with some manufactures going so far as to make the tubing an oval shape to cut down on the weight of the frame. Others weld the tubes as opposed to using brackets and bolt, further reducing the weight of the frame. The thickness and diameter of the tubing is another way that manufactures can cut down on weight; however there may be a compromise in the strength of the frame as a result, so the weight of the user will need to be a consideration when choosing this kind of material.
Carbon Fibre frames.
Relatively new as a material for wheelchair frame manufacture, it is less than one-quarter the weight of steel. Offering high performance, rigidity, shock absorption and durability, a carbon fibre wheelchair frame will be the lightest of all materials, and can be customised to the userÂ’s requirements. The one drawback however is in the cost, as they are the most expensive frames to produce.
Titanium frames.
Lighter and stronger than Chrom-moly steel and aluminium, titanium is the best compromise between a lightweight wheelchair frame and an affordable price. A well made titanium frame is durable and comfortably absorbs vibration.
Composite frames.
When we refer to other composites what we are really talking about is making a wheelchair frame as lightweight as possible by customising the design and materials to suit the individual. As the frame is made to fit the userÂ’s body perfectly, there will be no need to add any frame adjustability, and with fewer bolt, brackets and screws it will be much lighter.
In summary, what makes a lightweight wheelchair frame light and easy to transport, are the materials that are used in its manufacture and the number of its component parts.
The Fenetic Trading Company
Fenetic Company
(800)-567-7618
sales@feneticwellbeing.co.uk 
Source: EmailWire.com
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