Prosthesis Material

FAB/CAM, a subsidiary of the Harshberger Prosthetic and Orthotic Center, Inc., approached Marshall for help in replacing the heavy, fragile plaster they used to produce master molds for prosthetics. Concurrently, Marshall and Martin Marietta were creating a commercial derivative of the foam insulation used to protect the Space Shuttle External Tank from excessive heat. FAB/CAM found the foam blanks to be lighter, cheaper and easier to manufacture than plaster, resulting in lower costs to the consumer. Martin Marietta markets the foam system, MARCORE, for the prosthesis market. The system also has commercial potential in high temperature insulation and structural applications.