Pacific Research Laboratories

Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. is a leading producer of artificial bone, Sawbones, designed to simulate the bone architecture as well as the bone’s physical properties.[1] Founded in 1978, and now with about 135 employees (as of Dec. 2010),[2] it is the largest manufacturer on Vashon, and is locally referred to as "The Bone Factory."[3]

Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. also has capabilities in:

 » Research and Development (R&D) Prototypes
 » Short Run Production
 » Rapid Prototyping

and is the manufacturer for Seaglider™ fairings, wings and rudders.[4] Seaglider™ is an underwater glider type of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the University of Washington.[5]

Other detailed capabilities of Pacific Research Laboratories include:[6]

 · Product development and design by an experienced engineering staff, including quick-turnaround projects using urethanes, silicones, glass/carbon fibers, braided fiberglass, thermoplastics, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
 · Creation of prototypes, master patterns, and tooling.
 · Reverse engineering, and laser scanning.
 · Manufacturing using 3D printing, 3-axis CNC router, 4-axis CNC machining, and a triaxial fiberglass braider.

Around 2011, Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. became employee owned, under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).[7]

In Sawbones' research product development, lead researcher Susmita Bose began in 2000 to develop the first artificial open-celled cancellous bone model using materials such as polyurethane-based polymers, ceramic powders, and organic solvents.[8] This research is funded by Washington Technology Center http://www.waTechCenter.org

Sawbones has been developed specifically for surgical training where a realistic bone specimen is required.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Washington Technology Center - Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc
  2. ↑ "Sawbones gets sold to its 135 employees". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  3. ↑ "Sawbones Worldwide: 30 years on the island and still going strong". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  4. ↑ "Home Page". Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. and Sawbones Worldwide. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  5. ↑ "Seaglider Autonomous Underwater Vehicle". University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  6. ↑ "Services & Capabilities". Pacific Research Laboratories. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  7. ↑ "Sawbones gets sold to its 135 employees". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  8. ↑ Washington Technology Center - Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc
  9. ↑ WaBio.com

External links

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