Vittoria Phoenix

 Well it has been a while since I made an entry.  Life seems to grab you by the tail and whip you around some.  Anyway here is my newest entry.  Eva ethylene-vinyl-acetate.  In our industry we use eva in the manufacture of foot orthotics, padding and liners for Afo's, prosthetic socket liners, shoe modifications or anywhere a multiple durometer, heat moldable material is required.  What you may not be aware of is that eva is used in some very interesting ways. Some baby pacifiers are made from eva, eva is added to cigarettes to make them slow burning and fire retardant. Eva is really non toxic.  The only time eva is dangerous is when it is overheated and the fumes should not be inhaled.  I am not saying we should go out and have an eva sandwich but, it is a product that we can use with confidence knowing that it is safe and functional. Eva is even used in some drugs to facilitate the slow release of the active ingredients.  Fishing rod handles have eva wrapped around so we don't lose our grip or the big one!  Eva is all around us.  If you look to the left you may see it in the mouse pad.  It may even be in the mouse itself to absorb shock when the computer crashes.

   In our industry there are many forms of eva.  Some are of higher quality and some are of lower quality and it is usually reflected in the price. In the market today there are a multitude of suppliers with many eva products to choose from.  The colours and durometers certainly have evolved over the past 10 years.  We as professionals must choose the eva that best suits our clients individual needs.  

   Here at Vittoria Phoenix we are committed to bring you the highest quality eva line at the best possible price.  VPhoam is that line of eva.  It is manufactured at an ISO certified facility and it meets or exceeds standards and expectations.  I personally have molded, ground, glued and tried to break VPhoam and have found it to be a superior line of eva.  I took some 10mm 60 durometer white VPhoam and molded a UCBL style orthotic with no internal wrinkling and was able to grind the edges with no deformation from heat of the grinding wheel.  This line of eva will be able to supply you with multiple durometer choices and be able to provide your clients with what they need. 

  Most facilities I worked at early in my career were fast paced and we as technicians had little time to waste.  The ovens were set at a high temperature with the thought that if the oven is set high the eva or plastic will be ready for molding quicker.  I found that eva reacts better at a lower temperature.  If you have patience and the oven is set at say 325  Fahrenheit or even lower and not 500. The end result you will find is a much better finished product.  The eva is not overcooked and will not compress as much in the vacuum forming process.  I would even make sure that lower durometer eva is heated at even lower temperature.  You can even use a heat gun at the low setting to get an 18 durometer top cover to mold in to an abnormally deep heel cup.

   Call or use our website to make a request for a sample of VPhoam and you will not be disappointed.  Our website has been modified to make your searches easier and offers you the ability to get the products you need when you require them.

   Again if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me or use the "Ask Kerry a question" section of the blog.

   Thanks for taking the time to read my entry.

   Kerry