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| Website | www.TiLite.com |
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TiLite designs and manufactures titanium and aluminum wheelchairs. TiLite specializes in wheelchair customization, a process called TiFit in which each wheelchair is made-to-measure to the customer's exact specifications.
History
editTiLite had its beginnings in the late 90’s with the goal of developing a class of manual wheelchairs that combines prosthetic-like customization with the most advanced materials to allow users to achieve greater mobility and remain independent longer. TiLite’s flagship model was the “CrossSport”, a unique design that had a successful market entry. Since then, TiLite has developed a full range of titanium and aluminum wheelchairs that cater to the unique requirements of each user.[1] TiLite wheelchairs are sold in 38 countries and TiLite is a division of TiSport, LLC, which is headquartered in Pasco, WA.
TiFit
editTiLite has differentiated itself in the market through its approach to customization. Based on the assertion that the most important thing a person can do with respect to his or her wheelchair is to make sure that it fits well – that it fits like a prosthetic – TiLite has emphasized the importance of its TiFit customization process. The TiFit process is unique because it does not rely on “off the shelf” frames but rather builds frames that are tailored specifically to the person. In fact, TiLite does not build the frame until TiLite's fabricators have a full-scale drawing of the chair based on the user's exact specifications.[2]
TiLite chairs that offer TiFit:[3]
- TR
- ZR
- ZRA
- TX
Titanium
editTiLite uses titanium for the frames of its high performance wheelchairs because of titanium’s unique characteristics: It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, it is more durable, and it absorbs vibrations better than other common frame materials such as aluminum.[4] These unique properties of titanium make it an ideal material for premium wheelchair frames. However, because titanium is difficult to refine and requires expertise and precision in welding and bending, it is a more costly material. Given the cost differences and the importance of offering choices, TiLite continues to make wheelchairs in both titanium and aluminum.[5]
References
edit- Matthew J. Donachie, Jr. (1988). TITANIUM: A Technical Guide. Metals Park, OH: ASM International. ISBN 0871703092.
- Metals Handbook, Vol.2 - Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials, ASM International 10th Ed. 1990.
- Materials Properties Handbook: Titanium Alloys, R. Boyer, G. Welsch, and E. W. Collings, eds. ASM International, Materials Park, OH, 1994.
- Structural Alloys Handbook, 1996 edition, John M. (Tim) Holt, Technical Ed; C. Y. Ho, Ed., CINDAS/Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1996.
External links
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