CathExpt
R & D / Engineering
reviews CathExpt found useful
if there is a special size (like small ID) hypotube that you need, these guys will probably have it when nobody else does.
Strengths: Aside from the other well known hypotube guys, Morten Bowen is not as well known, but actually has MORE material and sizes on hand than anyone else. They had sizes of hypotubing that no other vendors even had in stock.
VERY fast.
VERY responsive.
Needs to improve: None
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/12/2013
They are really versed at custom laser patterns with fine materials.
Strengths: I went to them for a tough job laser cutting patterns in thin polyurethane sheet. They handled the job with aplomb, and offered lots of great technical advice.
Needs to improve: They are east coast, which is not really a weakness per se (time and shipping type stuff).
some one told me that How do you laser cut steel???
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/12/2013
If you're not exactly sure what you'd like, talk to them and they can offer advice for your project.
Strengths: They are a well known laser marking company. They do medical, aerospace, and commercial marking services.
Super fast service, and outstanding expertise.
Needs to improve: None at all.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/11/2013
Fast turn. Most polymers. Great expertise in materials (owner is a polymer engineer).
Strengths: Specialized was started by a former ACS extrusion guru. They are fully certified, and are very very fast turn, for both large and small orders. Have worked with them at over 12 companies now.
Needs to improve: None.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/11/2013
Great if you're not 100% sure about your design. Great insights and expertise.
Strengths: They are very good with working on prototype jobs, where the design may creep here and there during eval and testing. They are fast and can accommodate varying designs.
Needs to improve: None.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/11/2013
Small shop, quick turn, local
Strengths: Fast, responsive, experts in laser welding of VERY small parts.
Needs to improve: None
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/11/2013
They are a small group, so best for prototyping.
Strengths: Very high precision laser cutting. Spiral cut tubes, stents, flex shafts, etc.. Fast response. Lots of in-house expertise.
Needs to improve: None
Close to the bay area, fast service, great documentation.
Strengths: They are fully certified, and generally the go-to folks for all things packaging test related. Everybody goes to Westpak for packaging performance testing.
Needs to improve: None
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/09/2013
If you're looking for Chatillon support, I highly recommend them.
Strengths: They offer all sorts of measurement equipment, and provide service too (sales, servicing, repair). They offer great support for Chatillon forge gauges, as well as other brands and gauge types.
Needs to improve: None
Work with their machinists to solve difficult machining and prototyping problems. They have been around for 30+ years. They also work with Solidworks files.
Strengths: Personal service. Aerospace-grade machinists who know materials and tolerances. Local and easy to get to.
Needs to improve: Like any machine shop, turnaround is based on queue. If they are busy, your lead time might be longer than usual.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/09/2013
When it's 4pm on the west coast, you can get a hold of K-Tube while other east coast suppliers have gone home.
Strengths: They are in California, perhaps the only hypodermic tubing company in CA.
Needs to improve: Very expensive. They offer standard sizes, but you will pay a pretty penny for their product. You will easily pay 2x what you'd pay for other suppliers hypotubes. But heck if you need it, you need it.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/09/2013
If you are looking for custom sizes that other suppliers will charge an arm and a leg for, go to these guys.
Strengths: They have been around for years. Very capable. Always provide great service and product. Prices on par with other suppliers.
Needs to improve: None.
CathExpt
R & D / Engineering , Medical Device
12/09/2013
If you need R&D devices EtO sterilized FAST, or just need a backup sterilizer, I highly recommend them.
Strengths: Blue Line is SUPER fast. You can sterilize devices and get them back in 3 days, including weekends. They provide full services including reports and run data.
Needs to improve: Small shop. Up in north bay, north of SF.
If you need all types of PTFE they will probably have what you need.
Strengths: They are the leaders in PTFE tubing. Enough said. Great selection. Great service.
Needs to improve: None that I experienced.
They are very helpful in guiding you to the right material for your rapid prototyping job.
Strengths: Strengths include expertise in 3D resins and application, recommendations for material based on use, and inhouse 3D prototyping expertise that other hoses do no offer.
Needs to improve: None that I experienced.
Can provide sizes that others do not offer. GREAT customer service.
Strengths: Fast quoting, custom diameters, secondary processes (cutting, deburring, grinding)
Needs to improve: Can be long leadtimes for custom sizes (4+ weeks)
