Machine Solutions Inc

Over the last 15 years I've personally purchased a couple of testers from MSI and have come across their equipment with 3 separate companies. The equipment is well built but some of their design choices are questionable. Example: In one case we purchased a large machine that included a large water bath, The water bath needs to be regulary cleaned with Isopropyl alcohol but was built from poly carbonate. In another case the machine came with a 1 lb weight that was supposed to be used to calibrate a .5 lb load cell.

I realize these are "mistakes" that should be considered oversights, but when you pay a quarter million dollars for a piece of equipment, you expect these issues to be worked out.

Strengths: Machines Solutions designs and builds highly specialized process equipment and testers for use in the Medical Device Industry. Crimpers, laminaters, and several testers.

Needs to improve: There are two issues that I've had with MSI equipment in the past. 1. They are insanely priced for what you get. 2. Some of their design decisions affect machine performance and reliability.

I've purchased and used their catheter track tester recently and was a little disappointed at what we got for the price. Yes, the equipment does what it's supposed to: measure force to navigate a catheter through a certain tortuous path, but for spending $100k+ I would've expected a more polished looking equipment, not something that looks like it we made in house in 3 weeks. The software is also not that sophisticated. It's something that could've been out together for a quarter of the cost, in my opinion.

Strengths: Catheter test equipment

Needs to improve: Track tester could be more sophisticated for the cost

I've purchased and used their stent crimpers recently and was a little disappointed at what we got for the price. We got what we needed that just that it is cheaper just using portable crimpers. If you don't get the right customer service, it may be hard to understand what they offer.

Strengths: Quality variety of testers and process improvement solutions are available. Helpful customer service if you get the right one.

Needs to improve: Some system/machines are complicated, make sure that customer service knows exactly what you want. Expensive testers.

We have consulted with machine solutions using them as an inspecting service for one of our medical devices that required measuring dimensions of stents. They welcomed me to their facillity to see their inspection equipment and went through the entire process from beginning to end, completely transparent to me. Their staff was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions. They treated me as if I was one of their own employees. Their equipment is top notch and I had no issues qualifying their inspection process. We will continue to use them as an inspecting service and have no reservations recommending them to others.

Strengths: inspection equipment, maching solutions, customer service

Needs to improve: none that i can think of

The equipment does what it is expected of it. However upon receiving the product, the price we paid for it looks more like I made it with old school equipment. It wasn't very polished. the software is not very up to date. The cost is most definitely not worth the product.

Strengths: Catheter test equipment

Needs to improve: Need to improve quality for the price

My start up uses Machine Solution for their testing equipment to ensure that our production lines are operating in a lean and effective manner. They offer a large spectrum of products, have an expansive inventory and are always on point with their lead times. We often source their testing systems as their quality is superb. Customer service is top notch and available to aid us and we haven't had any major problems to date. Will definitely use them again.

Strengths: Knowledgeable staff, quality product, quick turnaround

Needs to improve: None

We used a radial force test unit for testing of a novel device. While we were able to generate a fair amount of data using the machine, we ultimately had to develop a test fixture in house to give us the ultimate sensitivity that we needed. Their custom iris mechanisms are pretty cool, and I have used the hand crimper with some success during catheter manufacturing.

Strengths: Specialized catheter & implant testing equipment

Needs to improve: be sure you know what you need

MSI makes good MFG equipment. Their test equipment has too much mass which effects Signal to Noise ratios, making it difficult to measure low forces. They will sell you a lighter strain gage, Don't Buy It. If you sneeze or look at the equipment wrong it will blow up and cost you $500+ for another. At two companies we never been able to valid their equipment for low radial forces.

Strengths: Test and Manufacturing Equipment for Medical Devices

Needs to improve: Over Sell

MSI works well for general catheter and implant devices in the peripheral, but the equipment sensitivity leaves something to be desired if you work in the neurovascular space.

Strengths: Crimper, Track Tester

Needs to improve: Price

I purchased a catheter track tester from them. It was a great test machine and did what we needed, but had a steep learning curve. I went to their facility for training, and was pleased with their training. Coming out of the training i felt pretty good running the tester, but had a hard time remembering how to set it up after not using it for a while.

Strengths: They have good customer service.

Needs to improve: They're test equipment can be difficult to use.

We ordered their stent crimpers for our pre assembly process. I wasn't to impressed with the crimpers they were very big and bulky. The crimper is activated by a foot pedal which I hate because it just gets in the way. The process is quicker then using a hand crimper but if your trying to save money then I suggest sticking to the hand crimpers in my opinion.

Strengths: Great company that specializes in medical device testing of your equipment .

Needs to improve: None

We ordered two pcs of equipment from this place. The units are built fairly well but make sure you know what you want before even placing your order. The machines can be hard to validate so evaluate the equipment thoroughly. This was our experience but I'm sure this is not the norm.( I hope)

Strengths: Large product line

Needs to improve: long leads, expensive, sales staff may not get you what you really need

They seem to sell their machines as more capable than they actually are. They cost a lot too.

Strengths: Device Test Equipment

Needs to improve: Cost, Functionality

We source products from Machine Solution to ensure that our production lines are operating smoothly and efficiently. They offer a variety of products, have a huge inventory and are always accurate with their lead times. We often source their testing systems as their quality is great. Customer service is always happy to help and we haven't had any issues to date. Great staff and products!

Strengths: product quality, reliability and customer service

Needs to improve: none

I have used their vertical laminators, tensile testing systems, and stent processing systems. In my experience, they were made of good quality, with minimal maintenance required. If I did encounter any issues, such as the carriage crashing, Machine Solutions were quick to respond and address the issues at hand. Good quality, good customer service, recommended if looking for manufacturing or testing equipment.

Strengths: Automation equipment, catheter testing, stent testing, technical support

Needs to improve: Price

We have contracted wit machine solutions in the past and we have strongly consider doing future business with them. In the past we have ordered many different types of customer sizes to our company that will help us with production.

Strengths: Great products for the price you get with machine solutions. Website is real nice and easy to navigate through. Customer service is always there.

Needs to improve: none at the moment

My business has been using Machine Solutions testing systems for years now. They have never disappointed us! They offer a large selection of custom products as well. There customer service has always been very helpful to us. We highly recommend this company to any business. We plan on going through them for many more years to come.

Strengths: HIGH GRADE PRODUCTS! FANTASTIC SERVICE!

Needs to improve: NONE SO FAR!

They make decent equipment, on occasion not as sensitive as they try to sell you. Make sure you fully validate the equipment capabilities before making final payment. Had two machines that could not be validated for our devices.

Strengths: Mechanical testers

Needs to improve: Price, Over promising capabilities

Bought several stent crimpers (manual) and one automatic loader/crimper with cooling. Devices are very high quality and consistent. Machine Solutions helps to select the best equipment so that you don't buy the wrong items.

Strengths: Best of breed stent loading and crimping equipment

Needs to improve: Cost is high for this type of equipment

I use the RF tip forming machine from MSI and pretty please with their design and performance. Easy to setup and easy to use comparing to Multiples steps using the hot box. The tip produce are nice and consistence. Great equipment.

Strengths: Provide Great MFG tooling and equipment

Needs to improve: Expensive tooling