CalBears06

Akro-Mils storage bins have been very useful in CERs, labs, and for my desk. In the CERs, it’s been easy to color code components according to specific product lines or component types, which makes them easier to kit. In the lab, it’s been instrumental in helping to minimize the clutter, while maximizing space. It’s also nice to have some of the smaller Akro bins at my desk to store more random components that don’t really have a home in my cube. They offer custom containers, but don’t expect the 1 week delivery time that they have for their stock items.

Strengths: Storage Bins, Wide Selection of Sizes and Colors, Quick Turnaround for Stock Containers, Custom Containers

Needs to improve: Long Lead for Custom Containers

Zebra Technologies printers produce high quality labels with barcodes. It’s been very durable, having printed over several thousand labels within the past few months and continues to produce high quality, professional looking labels.

Strengths: Label Printer, Barcode Printing, Ease of Use, Low Maintenance, Large Volume, High Quality

Needs to improve: I can’t really think of any.

Makita’s cordless power drill is light weight, which is ideal for extended use with minimal fatigue. However, the light weight also seems to result in a decrease of overall equipment durability. I used their LXPH05Z cordless drill and it seemed to degrade after about a week of continuous use. Makita does have a 3 year warranty though, so it’s worth it to see if it can be replaced within that timeframe.

Strengths: Cordless Power Drill/Hammer, Light Weight for Long Duration Use

Needs to improve: Overall Equipment Durability, Battery Life

I’ve purchased a variety of tools from Techni-Tool, such as Kim Wipes to Excelta tweezers. Most notably, I’ve purchased several Weller solder stations from them. One out of the three that arrived was defective (turned on, but never got hot). They were quick to replace it and didn’t charge shipping.

Strengths: Wide selection of industrial tools and equipment, Variety of brands

Needs to improve: None

We originally bought 6” and 12” metal Starrett rulers off of McMaster-Carr and obviously chose the cheaper (non-calibrated) version. After receiving a calibration quote, which was double of what we paid for the rulers, it was immediately clear that it was more economical to buy the ruler already calibrated from Starrett. Their adhesive-backed rulers are also handy for quick measurements when you need both hands to manipulate a component--a must have for any lab bench!

Strengths: Measurement Tools, Metal Rulers, Flexible Adhesive-Backed Rulers, Calibrated Versions and Non-Calibrated Versions

Needs to improve: Some would say price, but I have not find any weakness with Starrett. You get what you pay for.

The best part of CSC is the extensive range of springs they carry. The product is usually ready for shipping and you don't have to pay a premium if you go through a distributor.

Strengths: Springs

Needs to improve: None

Bentec carries a wide range of silicone tubing sizes that are ready to ship.

Strengths: Silicone Tubing

Needs to improve: None

I've only used their crimpers for one project, but the design seemed easy to use, yielded consistent parts, and the process was easy to reproduce.

Strengths: Handheld Crimp Tools

Needs to improve: None

Olander offers a range of fasteners and is convenient to get to when you work in the Bay Area.

Strengths: Fasteners

Needs to improve: None

He doesn't always accept your consulting offer, but when he does, you know you're set.

Strengths: Leadership, Attention to Detail

Needs to improve: He's the Dos Equis man of the Engineering world; there are no weaknesses.

They can hold tight tolerances on their hypotube and offer them at incredible prices given the quality of the product.

Strengths: Nitinol Hypotubes

Needs to improve: None

They are a reliable contract manufacturer that I'd work with again. The staff is experienced and talented.

Strengths: CER, experienced assemblers, talented technicians

Needs to improve: None

Ever wonder where all that paper you generate for your protocols and reports go? Iron Mountain! I have also requested old records be brought back and haven't had issues with finding something I needed.

Strengths: Off site information storage

Needs to improve: None

Kevin, the manufacturers rep, is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the capabilities of all their vendors. Plus, you never know what you can build with the sample ziploc bag of random formed wires he gives you each time he sees you!

Strengths: Represents a variety of suppliers

Needs to improve: None

Solid performance from the two cordless drills I own. Really great deal when you can get them on sale.

Strengths: Cordless Power Tools

Needs to improve: More expensive than the average power tool

Quality equipment, works as expected

Strengths: Signal Generators

Needs to improve: None so far

Durable equipment, works as expected

Strengths: Oscilloscopes

Needs to improve: None so far

Their blood pressure cuffs are being used in our current study; So far no known issues

Strengths: Blood Pressure Monitors

Needs to improve: None so far

Have sent fixtures to them many times for anodizing and haven't had any issues with quality

Strengths: Aluminum Anodizing

Needs to improve: None so far

Paul is customer-oriented and happy to work together to find visual inspection equipment that fits the application and budget. We've purchased some microscopes that were refurbished by him and they work like new. No issues.

Strengths: Visual Inspection Equipment, Microscope Expertise, Maintenance

Needs to improve: None