Equipment
Our universal testing machines are capable of applying all manner of loads to specimens. Compressive loading, tensile testing, cantilever testing, and fatigue testing are some examples of tests that can be performed. These machines are also capable of high-frequency testing and load or displacement controlled testing.
Instron ElectroPuls electric testing machine and equipment
The Instron is an electric testing machine capable of dynamic and static testing on multiple materials and components. It can perform tests on six degrees of rotation. Fatigue testing can be done through long test cycles. This machine can apply 10,000 N of compression and tension and over 100 Nm torsional capability to many different specimens.
MTS servo-hydraulic testing machine
The MTS is a hydraulic testing machine. It is a great option for failure testing.
Our milling machine and lathe are often used to build prototypes, along with fixtures and jigs that can be used for custom testing. These machines are operated manually.
South Bend milling machine and attachments
The milling machine can be used to cut sideways and drill holes of any diameter into your material. It also has a dividing head to create angles and circular divisions.
Standard modern metal engine lathe
Turning and facing are possible with the lathe. It can also make small diameter grooves accurately.
GE Miniview 6800 Fluoroscope
A perfect fit for sports medicine, orthopaedics, and veterinary medicine studies. The articulating arm, rotating arm and revolving C-arm provide maximum flexibility in positioning. Specimens can even be imaged during testing while mounted on a testing machine.
Fluoroscope mounted on the MTS testing machine
Other Equipment
Recirculating fume hood
Adjustable autopsy table
- 3D Printer - Flashforge Creator Pro: This high-precision 3D printer is capable of printing prototypes using different materials.
- Hybridization incubator
- Steam sterilizer
- Surgical tray (rolling stand)
- Double sink
- CAD workstation
- Computers
- Printer, photocopier, and scanner
Tools
- Complete model of a human skeleton
- Surgical tools, surgical supplies, and measuring equipment
- Digital scale
- Spine tools in box and tray
- Arthroscopic Surgical System
- InteliJET Suction Supply
- Insufflator
- Rotary shaker
- Digital torque gauge
- Torque driver and rotation counter
- Soldering station
- Large vertical drill press
- Small drill press
- Band saws (large and small)
- Chop saw
- Angle grinder
- Bench grinder
- Cordless drills
- Brazing (welding) equipment
- Electronics
- Oscilloscope
- Multimeters
- Load cells
- Sensors/transducers (displacement, temperature, pressure)
- Pneumatic and electrical actuators
- Accelerometers
- Motors
- Wires, cables, all electrical pieces
Wide variety of tools for the milling machine and lathe
Materials
We have a large variety of material available to build prototypes, jigs, and fixtures required for testing. Material can be long, with both rod and flat stock of 6-8 feet in length. Smaller pieces are also available.
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Polycarbonate
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Implant grade UHMW
- Sheet stock, mainly polycarbonate
- Stainless steel and nylon fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers)
Many brands of medical PMMA cements and industrial grade PMMA cements are also available to be used for projects at the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. These cements are donated from companies with whom we have working relationships.
Specimens
We have a large collection of fresh frozen human spine specimens. Some of these specimens are complete. Others are only lumbar, thoracic, or cervical. Most specimens have radiographs and DEXA scans for bone mineral density. We also have a number of human femurs, as well as bovine and procine spines and hips. These specimens are all used for medical research and education.
Specimens are stored in a cold tissue bank area. When applicable, we have a separate section dedicated to defrosting specimens prior to soft tissue resection. Sometimes specimens are partially potted in PMMA to provide attachment points for testing fixtures prior to mechanical testing. All specimens are kept for a minimal period of time after a given study in a separate freezer.
Software
- Microsoft Office
- Solidworks
Our Space
Here is the floor plan of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory.
Machine Shop
We have space dedicated to creating prototypes and testing fixtures.
Student Space
The students' area provides the space and equipment necessary to work on design, engineering, and technical services, including a workstation dedicated to CAD (computer-aided designing). It also hosts a complete human model skeleton that can be used as reference.
Offices
These offices are dedicated spaces for both the Lab and Technical Directors. The Technical Director provides technical support and carries out all aspects of the research activities performed at the lab.