TiLite
 | This article contains promotional content. (March 2017) |
 | |
| Industry | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | Global |
Key people | David Lippes (CEO) |
| Products | Wheelchairs |
| Parent | TiSports LLC |
| Website | tilite |
TiLite designs and manufactures titanium and aluminum wheelchairs. TiLite specializes in wheelchair customization (a process called TiFit) in which each wheelchair is made to users' exact specifications.[1]
History
One of TiLite's first models to market was called the “CrossSport”. Since then, TiLite has developed a full range of titanium and aluminum wheelchairs. TiLite wheelchairs are sold in 38 countries; TiLite is a division of TiSport, LLC, which is headquartered in Pasco, Washington.[2] In 2014, TiLite was acquired by Permobil.[3]
Technology
TiLite uses titanium for the frames of several lines of its high-performance wheelchairs.[4] Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, it is highly durable, and it absorbs vibrations better than other common frame materials such as aluminum. These unique properties make it desirable, but because titanium is difficult to refine and requires expertise and precision in welding and bending, it is a more costly material. TiLite makes wheelchairs in both titanium and aluminum. While the company's titanium chairs are slightly lighter in weight and more durable, their aluminum wheelchairs are more economical and sufficient for most users.[5] The design and manufacturing process uses parametric modelling,[6] computer aided design and finite element analysis technologies to optimize design and material choices.[7]
References
- ^ Sander, Jane (2012-11-28). "Pasco's TiLite company expanding around the globe". Yakima, WA: Kndu.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
- ^ Hagey, Jason (Winter 2013). "The Ultimate Ride - How Pasco, Wash. became home to the world's hottest wheelchair manufacturer". Washingtonbusinessmag.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ "Permobil acquires TiLite". Retrieved 2017-10-06.
- ^ Boninger, David. "The Frame Game". PN/Paraplegia News. No. June 2011. Pvamag.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
- ^ Vogel, Bob (September 2010). "The Titanium Revolution Revisited". New Mobility. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ Sorby, Dennis K. Lieu, Sheryl (2009). Visualization, modeling, and graphics for engineering design (1st ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning. pp. A2–A4. ISBN 978-1401842499.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Stackpole, Beth (2011-05-04). "Features – TiLite Races Ahead with Custom Wheelchair Design". Design News. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
Additional sources
- “TiLite Makes Marketing, Product & Brand Management Moves” Mobility Management, 8 March 2013.
- TiLite Wheelchairs on Made in America – Full Episode (TiLite official YouTube channel)
