Pacific Research Laboratories

Pacific Research Laboratories
Founded1978
HeadquartersVashon, Washington
Servicesprototype manufacturing
design
research & development

Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. (PRL) is a design, research and development (R&D) and prototype manufacturing company. It is the leading producer of Sawbones, designed to simulate bone architecture and a bone's physical properties.[1] It was founded in 1978.[2] The company had 135 employees as of April 2016[3] and is the largest manufacturer in Vashon, Washington. It is locally referred to as "The Bone Factory."[4]

PRL has capabilities in (R&D) prototypes, short run production, and rapid prototyping. It is the manufacturer for Seaglider fairings, wings and rudders;[5] Seaglider is an underwater glider autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the University of Washington.[6] PRL also manufactures Super Shroud cell tower concealment shrouds.

The company also works in product development and design, including quick-turnaround projects using urethanes, silicones, glass/carbon fibers, braided fiberglass, thermoplastics, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics; the creation of prototypes, master patterns, and tooling; reverse engineering; laser scanning; and manufacturing using 3D printing, 3-axis CNC router, 4-axis CNC machining, and a triaxial fiberglass braider.

In December 2010, Pacific Research Laboratories became employee owned under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).[3]

References

  1. ^ Washington Technology Center - Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc
  2. ^ "Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc". Washington Life Science Industry Directory. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Sawbones gets sold to its 135 employees". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  4. ^ "Sawbones Worldwide: 30 years on the island and still going strong". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. 28 March 2008. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  5. ^ "Home Page". Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. and Sawbones Worldwide. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  6. ^ "Seaglider Autonomous Underwater Vehicle". University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory. Retrieved 2016-04-03.