TiLite

TiLite designs and manufactures titanium and aluminum wheelchairs. TiLite specializes in wheelchair customization (a process they refer to as TiFit) in which each wheelchair is made to users' exact specifications.[1]

TiLite
IndustryManufacturing
Headquarters
Pasco, Washington
,
United States
Area served
Global
Key people
David Lippes (CEO)
ProductsWheelchairs
ParentTiSports LLC
Websitetilite.com

History

One of TiLite's first models of wheelchair 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 are unique properties, 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
  1. Sander, Jane (2012-11-28). "Pasco's TiLite company expanding around the globe". Yakima, WA: Kndu.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  2. 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 requires |magazine= (help)
  3. "Permobil acquires TiLite". Retrieved 2017-10-06.
  4. Boninger, David. "The Frame Game". PN/Paraplegia News. No. June 2011. Pvamag.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  5. Vogel, Bob (September 2010). "The Titanium Revolution Revisited". New Mobility. Retrieved 2013-06-08. Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  6. 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.
  7. Stackpole, Beth (2011-05-04). "Features – TiLite Races Ahead with Custom Wheelchair Design". Design News. Retrieved 2013-06-08.

Additional sources
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