--- title: Preparatory Socket Product Information description: How to order, print, and fabricate a preparatory socket --- [Skip to content](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/preparatory-socket#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![ProtostheticsGalileo Logo](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/hubfs/ProtostheticsGalileo%20Logo.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/contact-us) [Contact us](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/contact-us?hsLang=en) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Galileo by Protosthetics](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo?hsLang=en) 2. [Galileo Product Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en) 3. [Prosthetic Products](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#prosthetic-products) November 5, 2026 # Preparatory Socket Product Information ## Material: Polycarbonate Blend (PC Blend) ### Table of Contents - Key Use Cases - How to Order - Scan Medium and AK by Measurements - Design Options - Required Measurements - Fabrication Instructions - FAQs ### Key Use Cases 3D printed polycarbonate blend sockets offer rapid, durable, and lightweight solutions for specialized prosthetic applications. They are particularly valuable in **short-term fitting** and **environment-specific prostheses**. Preparatory sockets can be printed on Galileo Pro and Galileo O&P and have a 6mm wall thickness.   #### Preparatory Socket (Semi-Permanent) 1. **Purpose**: Serves as a transitional socket during early prosthetic fitting. 2. **Duration:** Typically **2–3 months** of use. 3. **Clinical Benefits:** 1. Accommodates residual limb volume changes while providing functional stability. 2. Enables assessment of comfort, alignment, and gait before definitive socket fabrication. 3. Rapid 3D printing accelerates delivery and fitting timelines. #### Shower Leg Socket 1. **Purpose:** Designed for **safe mobility in wet environments**. 2. **Design Intent:** 1. Waterproof or water-tolerant construction for shower or bathroom use. 2. Provides stability and reduces slip risk for amputees navigating wet surfaces 3. **Critical Note:** 1. **Not intended for day-to-day ambulation**. 2. Strictly for shower or limited wet-area use to ease stress and improve safety. #### Clinical Considerations 1. All prep sockets should be fabricated and fitted under professional oversight. 2. Monitor preparatory sockets for fit, comfort, and residual limb changes. 3. **Reinforcement:** Wrapping the standard thickness preparatory socket with composite or reinforcing tape at the distal end is recommended to provide additional support. 4. Shower leg setups should incorporate slip-resistant features and follow proper usage instructions. ### How to Order - Before ordering this product, clinician preferences must be established with the Protosthetics design team. If you have not set up or want to update your clinician preferences, please schedule a meeting with your design lead by emailing [success@protosthetics.com](mailto:success@protosthetics.com). - Log into [FabOne](https://proto.fab.one/). Click “Order” under the Above Knee or Below Knee Preparatory Socket product listing. - Attach a scan of the limb, cast, socket, or plaster positive. - Proceed to the order form. ### Scan Medium and AK by Measurements - If you have questions on your which scan medium to choose when placing an order see our [in depth guide here!](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/which-scan-medium-should-you-pick?hsLang=en) - No scan? No problem! Above Knee sockets can be ordered by measurements. - Select “Files not required” at the top of the files screen - Select “AK by Measurement” as the Scanned Medium - While not required, providing circumference measurements at every inch can increase the accuracy of the model. ### Design Options #### AK Brim Shape View the options for brim shape [here](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ak-brim-shapes-do?hsLang=en). #### Thinner Print Thinner walls (4mm) in the socket with the same distal end thickness and adapter options.  #### Free Lamination Shell Lamination shells are thin prints made of PETG designed to be poured that match the device’s inner surface. Learn more about lamination shells [here](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/how-to-use-lamination-shells-products?hsLang=en).  #### Distal Adapter/Suspension - Round bottom - Round bottom with flat plate - Barrel nut adapter - Bulldog - Coyote - KISS - Lyn Valve Void - Ottobock Push Valve #### Volume Modifications - Increase or Decrease - Change amount (enter value) - Volumetric change type - ply, percentage, or other (explain in additional information) ### Required Measurements #### Measurement Discrepancy Handling - Set to measurements - Go with scan - Verify sizes for differences greater than +/- 7 mm *Designers will automatically reach out for any sizing differences greater than 20 mm.* #### Above Knee Measurements - Measurement starting point\* (IT or perineum) - Starting point to distal axial length\* (axial, not along contour) - ML at perineum\* - AP at perineum\* - Circumferences - At starting point, 2” below starting point, 4” below starting point are required #### Below Knee Measurements - MPT to Distal End\* (axial, not along contour) - AP at MPT - ML at MPT - Proximal ML (above condyle) - Circumferences - At MPT, 2” below MPT, 4” below MPT are required ### Fabrication Instructions Print on the Galileo Pro or Galileo O&P with PC blend in the big nozzle on the right. Suction does not require any post-processing - it is ready right off the printer. #### Adhesive Use MagiGoo PC bed adhesive on the bed before starting the print. Application instructions for bed adhesive can be found [here](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/pc-blend-prep-socket-bed-adhesive?hsLang=en). #### Grinding Break off any support material. Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to remove any residual support material. Use 400-600 grit sandpaper to smooth the trimlines. Use Tycro or silicone polishing cones to perfect the finish. #### Padding Apply padding where desired with any standard prosthetic glue. #### Heat Modifications With a heat gun, material is pliable for adjustments at 70C-85C without melting. #### Reinforcement Wrapping the prep socket with composite or reinforcing tape at the distal end is recommended for additional support.  - [Account & General Information](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account & Permissions](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#account-permissions) - [Policies & Guarantees](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#policies-guarantees) - [Printer Returns](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#printer-returns) - [Scanning Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#main-content) - [App & Hardware Setup](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#app-hardware-setup) - [Scanning Best Practices](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#scanning-best-practices) - [Ordering Process & FabOne Portal](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Placing & Managing Orders](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#placing-managing-orders) - [Print Control](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#print-control) - [CFAB Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#cfab-options) - [Galileo Product Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Prosthetic Products](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#prosthetic-products) - [Orthotic Products](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#orthotic-products) - [Customization & Fitting](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#customization-fitting) - [Filament & Printing FAQs](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Filament Loading & Handling](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#filament-loading-handling) - [Preparing the Printer](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#preparing-the-printer) - [Hardware Troubleshooting & Maintenance](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General Tips & Tricks](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#general-tips-tricks) - [Connection Troubleshooting](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#connection-troubleshooting) - [Hardware Troubleshooting - Pro](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-troubleshooting-pro) - [Hardware Maintenance - Pro](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-maintenance-pro) - [Hardware Troubleshooting - Galileo O&P/Pro 2](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-troubleshooting-galileo-op-pro-2) - [Hardware Maintenance - Galileo O&P/Pro 2](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-maintenance-galileo-op-pro-2) [![ProtostheticsGalileo Logo-1](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/hubfs/ProtostheticsGalileo%20Logo-1.svg "ProtostheticsGalileo Logo-1")](http://protosthetics.com) 510 6th Ave N, Ste D, Fargo, ND 58102 USA [mailto:success@protosthetics.com](mailto:success@protosthetics.com) Copyright © 2026, Protosthetics