Monday, July 29, 2013

Late Summer New Product updates!

We're very excited to announce that our principal, United Scientific, now has a full line of research grade porcelain ware in stock and ready for delivery.  State of the Art packaging and quality highlight this line which features Spatulas, Crucibles, Buchner Funnels, Hirsch Funnels, etc.  Contact me for more details at JGura@fischertech.com!

 

United also has a line of excellent quality Agate Pestle and Mortars.  Smooth finish and aggressive pricing are the real value here!





Agate Mortar and Pestle Group Shot



Friday, June 7, 2013

Are you taking proper care of your High Vacuum Pump?

Are you taking proper care of your pump?

Fischer Technical Company Vacuum Pumps have been a staple in the industry for over 20 years now.  you can find these pumps in high school classrooms, research facilities, and numerous other industries.

Aside from wholesaling these pumps through are valued distributors, we also service the vacuum pumps.  About seven years ago, we started offering a high vacuum pump with a bourdon tube gauge attached (LAV-3/G).  This came about due to the large number of pumps we were receiving in for repair that were in perfect working order.  We determined that most of these pumps were not pulling the desired vacuum due to a leak in the vacuum system, not a problem with the pump.  The pumps that have the gauge on them can easily be tested.  Simply disconnect the pump from your system and put a rubber stopper over the hose barb and turn on the pump.  If your pump quickly shows close to 30" on the gauge (slightly different if you are above sea level), the pump is in working order.

What are you pulling into the pump?  Clean air is ideal as it can filter through the pump on a 24/7 continuous basis in a closed system.  If you are introducing other gasses, such as water vapor, you'll need to keep an eye on the oil. Once the water vapor is introduced into the pump, it will condense back into liquid and mix with the oil (sometimes leading to smoke coming out of the handle).  It's best to change your oil once you see smoke or the oil level changing.  The pump oil is the life blood of the pump and keeps it cool and lubricated.  You can purchase replacement Fischer Technical Company Oil from our distributors.  If you need to find one in your area, please contact us at JGura@fischertech.com.

Our pumps are not designed to have a regulator added to them.  Not running the pump on a closed system will lead to a very costly repair as the pump will overheat and the motor will burn out.

Are you having trouble with oil leaking into your system when you shut the pump off?  This occurs when the concentration of molecules attempts to even itself out after the pump is shut off.  The simple solution is the break the vacuum before turning off the pump.  Be sure not to run the pump though without it being hooked up to a closed system (again, this causes the pump to overheat).

Is your pump working fine, but you're still not getting the pull you'd like to see?  Make sure you have hose clamps on the vacuum tubing.  At high vacuum, even the smallest of leaks can affect performance.  Tight hose clamps over the hose barb and "system side" of the tubing does a great job of creating a tight, closed system.

Whether you're demonstrating in a classroom how to boil water at room temperature or your in a laboratory using a vacuum oven, enjoy your Fischer Technical LAV series vacuum pump and remember the golden rule...Change the oil!

Until next time.....

Thursday, April 18, 2013

New Product Line From Quincy Lab!

Our principal, Quincy Lab, now offers Low Temperature Digital Ovens!  These can be great additions to your website and catalog.  Please contact me for pricing, digital images, etc!



Newly released is our "LT" or low temperature series of our Lab Ovens for use with applications that use a lower temperature range than our regular lab ovens. These new models offer all the quality and reliability you have come to expect with Quincy Lab products, along with the ease, convenience, and enhanced stability of digital control. The digital control combines the features of the analog models but offers the ease of temperature setting and the stability of a full PID microprocessor that accurately maintains settings within +/- 1°C, even in varying ambient or power supply conditions. The GCE-LT and AFE-LT series ovens have temperature ranges of ambient +15°F to a maximum of 210°F/99°C and 225°F/107°C, respectively. These new models are competitively priced and offer exceptional value and reliability.

Available in sizes ranging from 0.6 - 3.0 cubic feet and in both gravity convetion and forced air!

Top Ten Observations from NSTA 2013

Just returned from NSTA in San Antonio and thought I'd have a little fun with my blog review....so here it is!





Well...its no the top ten things things that Mick Jagger has learned...but it's my top ten observations from NSTA 2013!

10.  The 50 minute drive between San Antonio and Austin is apparently too far for the airline to deliver lost luggage...my bags visited 5 airports on the trip down!

9.  The CSI shows may be losing some ratings, but Forensics Kits are still all the rage!  Plenty of kit manufacturer's at the show!

8.  The weather in San Antonio in April is far better than the weather in Philly in March (see: Pittcon)

7.  Having hotels with decent prices within walking distance of a trade show really makes a show less mentally/physically taxing!

6.  With a little creative marketing....any product can be referred to as STEM!

5.  Publishing companies are spending less money on trade shows as has been the trend.  There were a lot less booths from them and those who had booths, had smaller ones!

4.  Having your booth in the furthest aisle from the door will kill any chance of you having significant traffic passing by!

3.  Bringing exotic animals to your booth will ensure that camera phones will be going off like the paparazzi!  

2.  NSTA is still a great place for vendors to see product managers and catch up with old friends!

1.  San Antonio is one of the best places to host a show like this.  The town is beautiful, the people are friendly, the food is great, the weather is fantastic, and the venue was perfect for a show this size!

I hope everyone had a safe trip back...due to airline delays, I arrive home at 3AM Saturday morning...i knew the last few trips just went a little too smoothly!

Safe Travels everyone!

John


Friday, March 22, 2013

Pittcon 2013 Review

I've just returned to the office after a few days in Philadelphia for PITTCON 2013.  As I had suspected initially when the show location was announced, having the show here was a terrible idea.  All one had to do was stand outside waiting for a bus to one of the hotels and you could hear dozens of attendees and exhibitors complaining.  Before I get there, lets start with the good:

1.  Hotel selection - Being in a larger city, there were plenty of hotel options, many with top restaurants nearby and the bus service provided easy access to the show.

2.  Layout of the convention center - Many convention centers involve a long walk from the entrance to the halls.  This is especially tough if you are carrying materials from a cab/bus to the show.  The badge pickup was near the entrance and the hall entrance was close to the doors as well.

3.  Apples - Who doesn't look forward to the high quality apples each year?

4.  Side functions run by independent organizations or Companies - A special mention to the great events put on by ILDA and by Andwin Scientific!  These organizations are class acts and demonstrated why with great events and organization!

That being said, there were quite a few problems with having the show here:

1.  Weather - It's March in Philadelphia.  It doesn't take an analytical chemist to figure out that this could cause problems.  There was threats of snow in the area, which would have crippled travel.  It was very cold outside while waiting for a bus.  People were not happy.  I'm sure the show will correct this in the future....wait, its in Chicago next year (even earlier in the year too!) and back in Philly in a couple of years.  Please keep this show in New Orleans and Orlando where it belongs!

2.  Cost - As evident by the lack of traffic and the booth downsizing, the show has become to expensive to exhibit for many manufacturers and importers.  There is no real return on investment for many customers.

3.  Neighborhood - One of the highlights for me when the show is in Orlando is the I Drive area which, especially in March, is great to take a relaxing walk around.  There were many "suspicious" characters in downtown Philly, particularly at night.  It's tough to feel safe walking alone here.

4. Show Attendance - Purely dreadful.  I can count the companies on one hand of the ones I work with that were pleased with the turnout.  This show continues to see significant decreases in attendees every year. 

The positive of the low traffic for me was that I was able to spend significant time with key people from our distributors in their booths since they were rarely busy with their end user customers.  Personally, the show was a success for me as I was able to work with some of our key customers on some great ideas for product promotion.  Also, with the large amount of lab supply dealers in the area, I was able to double up on this trip and visit their facilities as well.

I always look forward to Pittcon every year (my feet don't, though!) and I will certainly be in Chicago...through rain, sleet, or snow next year.

In summary...let me mention this one more time...KEEP THE SHOW IN NEW ORLEANS AND ORLANDO where weather will not be an issue this time of year and attendance can again rise!

Until next time......

John

Monday, March 4, 2013

Top Ten Trade Show Locations

My next two trade shows this year are in Philadelphia and San Antonio.  This lead to an interesting discussion with a colleague.  We had a heated discussion as to where we preferred to go to trade shows at.  The debate started with a "big city vs. smaller city" debate and evolved to include whether or not we preferred the trips to be located in cities where we could also visit customers, but at the expense of more days away from home.  The end point was my top ten cities to visit for trade shows.

10. San Fransico, CA - the pro here is obviously the location and the lively downtown area.  The con here is that shows here are typically less attended due to the long travel and high prices.

9.  Dallas, TX - A great place to visit a trade show for me, especially if I want to tie in the trip with visits to our dealers.  Weather is usually good and there is some great Texas BBQ to be had!

8.  Houston, TX - Similar to Dallas with respect to accessibility to other customers.  Unique mall located near the Convention Center which features a few good places to eat/shop.

7.  Boston, MA - There is something to say about having a fresh, locally made Sam Adams beer.  The town is dripping with History and things to do.

6.  St. Louis, MO - Downtown St. Louis is one of the hidden jewels of the country.  For those who like to gamble, the casino is nearby, the bars and restaurants are fun, and the location is easily accessible from most of the country.

5.  Nashville, TN - Its a cab ride away from Opryland, but downtown Nashville is a great place to spend an evening.  Great food and even better live country music!

4.  Las Vegas, NV - No explanation needed...the downside here is that many people visiting your booth during the first half of the day may still be feeling the effects of the night before.

3.  New Orleans, LA - See Above

2.  Orlando, FL - At least once every 2 or 3 years, we attend a show here.  It's usually in early March.  Coming from Chicago, its great to get into some warmer weather.  I also enjoy the area where the Convention housing is located (Universal Blvd area).  Many places to eat/drink and even a fun piano bar!

1.  Austin, TX - Sadly, I've only been here a few times, but this is THE PLACE to come for live music and a city with character.  The people are friendly, the convention center is located downtown, and the weather is great year round!

I'd love to hear some of your favorite places to attend trade shows!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Top products to offer on your website

Over the past few years, there has definitely been a shift from traditional ordering from a catalog to enhanced utilization of the internet.  This is no secret.  We have several dealers, some that don't even have a warehouse, that have burst into our markets and have established themselves as major players.  I thought I'd share a few products that do very well and should be offered on all lab supply websites:

  • Fischer Technical Company High Vacuum Pumps - a top performing/selling product for over 20 years.
  • Denoyer Geppert Heart of America - the most used anatomical model of the heart in the world, great for High School and Colleges
  • Accurate Wirecraft Drying/Draining Rack - a laboratory Staple for many many years.
  • Culture Media & Supplies - Student Bacteria Kit - a top selling item for the classroom as well as for science fair projects
  • Quincy Lab - Small ovens and digital/analog incubators - Sales have grown exponentially over the past few years, primarily due to dealers offering on their websites












  • United Scientific top performers:
    • Class A Glassware (specifically serialized glassware)
    • Bottle top dispensers
    • Organic Chemistry Glassware sets
    • Plasticware sets
    • Solar powered Car
    • Brass Sextant
    • Stirling Engine
    • Lab Coats (Tie Dye and White available)
    • Tri-Pour Beakers
    • Porcelain Crucibles
    • Hand Driven Centrifuge
    • Stir Bars
    • Rubber Stoppers
If you need any digital images or current pricing for these items, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will send it to you right away.  You can email your requests to jgura@fischertech.com

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to a happy, healthy, and successful 2013!

John