TopDog

Intertek did the initial RF electrical compliance testing for our generator system. This place rocked! They definitely know their stuff, and helped us determine what tests we needed to perform. They are really flexible as well, we could just drop off the system and they took care of the rest. When something didn't look right or they wanted to double-check something with us, they had great communication and immediately let us know so we could discuss. Great place.

Strengths: Knowledge, flexibility, communication

Needs to improve: None.

While searching for a high-temperature plastic that would meet a bevy of other requirements, I came across Solvay. A material they provided called IXEF fit the bill and worked perfectly. The component that this material was molded into was very small, and I didn't need the normal min shipment amount of several hundred lbs. They totally saved me by letting me order a very small quantity, otherwise there'd be no why that I could have gotten this. They shipped right away and have been phenomenal to work with since.

Strengths: Customer Service, Specialty Materials.

Needs to improve: Cost can sometime be higher, but it is worth it.

They provide a number of different plastic tubes for our products. They always ship on-time, great quality, and good cost. Definitely worth taking a look if you are in need of plastic tubing.

Strengths: Products, ship on time.

Needs to improve: None.

We've used NuSil a lot for different medical grade silicon needs. They have a vast knowledge of different silicone types, as well as other ways to properly apply them to products with enough control.

Strengths: Wide array of different silicone types

Needs to improve: None.

We've used IWG for a while for thermocouple wires. Their customer service is good, they do a good job of answering questions, and if needed, researching the concern/other issues and getting back to you.

Strengths: Wide range of thermocouple wires, knowledge.

Needs to improve: None.

I've used Mangar often for pouching and packaging needs. They've done a great job of getting specialty orders done in time, and helping to find the best option for our need.

Strengths: Industry knowledge, customer service

Needs to improve: Cost sometimes.

Used Indium to select a flux and solder for our application.

Strengths: Knowledgeable on application of flux/solder

Needs to improve: none.

I was in a jam to get some electrical testing equipment, and Digikey had exactly what I needed, and was able to get it to me next day.

Strengths: Large selection of components, knowledgeable staff.

Needs to improve: None.

Masterbond has a good supply of different glues for medical device application.

Strengths: Good supply of products for different uses.

Needs to improve: None.

I've used RS Hughes as my go-to supplier for any gluing needs. With their wide range of products, they almost always have something that will work. Once, we were trying to improve a gluing process, and they were able to have someone stop by and take a look to try and improve things.

Strengths: Large supply of different types of adhesives, excellent knowledge of adhesives.

Needs to improve: Initial recommendations do not always work. Customer service can sometimes jump to conclusions about what root cause is, insisting they are right, without seeing all the facts.

I've used misumi for test fixture creation. They are great for more complex test fixturing needs.

Strengths: They have great products for fixturing and automation.

Needs to improve: Price can be high.

I've almost exclusively used Omega devices for any testing equipment needs. They are reliable and easy to use.

Strengths: High quality supplier for electrical testing equipment.

Needs to improve: Cost can be high.

I've used Lee Springs as a source for small springs, as well as other small components. They have a great selection.

Strengths: Vast selection of spring and other small components.

Needs to improve: None.

Awful.

Strengths: NOTE: This review is concerning the Solidworks class I took at the GoEngineer location in Santa Clara, CA only.

I took a week-long training class at the Santa Clara location. In short, the training was terrible. The overall setup of the course is not conducive to learning. They do an awful job of teaching this software. Then at the end, some douche sales guys comes in, tries to act all cool and buddy-buddy with everyone, and get you (or your company) to buy the software from them.

If you are looking for a company to learn 3D Modeling software from, PLEASE KEEP LOOKING. This place is awful, and it was a big waste of my money and time.

Needs to improve: Pretty much everything. These guys couldn't even get their supplied breakfast right.

I've been using them only recently, but they provide fast quotes, and ship on time.

Strengths: Their website is easy to use and you get an automated quote, typically within 2-24 hrs. Good selection of materials.

Needs to improve: None.

My old laptop wasn't good enough for Solidworks/Pro-E, so it was time to upgrade. Theirs has been working great since I rec'd it. The batter pack did die shortly after I got it, but it was still within warranty, so they sent a replacement that next day. No issues.

Strengths: Great selection of computers and related items.

Needs to improve: None.

I've been using Concur for the past 1+ years to handle all my travel and expense report needs. Aside from a few GUI annoyances, this is a very good website.

Strengths: One website to handle all travel needs- air, car, hotel, and expense report. Their app is pretty handy, too.

Needs to improve: Sometimes the airfare they show takes a while to load, or they don't show any that should be there. Moving 'back' on the website often results in loosing all the data you had before, which can be a pain when having to insert all that info again. Our company tried to use their employees to review expense reports, but they did not do a very good job, so we moved that in house. Since then, things have been well.

A great reference for springs of all shapes and sizes.

Strengths: Great selection of springs, fast shipments.

Needs to improve: None

All my experiences have been good. Their website gives you instant quotes, and they ship product quickly. So far all materials they've shipped have been of great quality.

Strengths: Instant quotes, quality products, fast ship times.

Needs to improve: The names of the materials they have don't easily relate to common materials.

These folks are great. They go out of their way to help out however they can, and do everything possible to try to get parts out sooner. These are my 1st option for all machining jobs.

Strengths: Centerline Precision is a very technical machining house. Time and time again, they've been able to machine things that other suppliers could not. They are great for prototyping and quick turn around.

Needs to improve: Nothing major. Occasionally their prices are a little higher, but this does not happen often.