Protec OPTIMAX Gets New Look

The Protec OPTIMAX has been a rugged, reliable x-ray film processor for over 20 years. It has just undergone a facelift. Not inside though. The new-look OPTIMAX uses the same reliable parts and roller rack transport system that it has always used. Just the outside plastic housing has changed. Take a look.

Protec made the change to this housing because it can be molded from a flame retardant material. Now both the OPTIMAX and the variable-speed OPTIMAX 2010 share the same housing and look.

One other change for 2019 is that the OPTIMAX will only be available in 220-240VAC configuration. 110-120VAC processor sales in the USA have steadily dropped over the past decade due to the digital imaging revolution. However, all over the world in emerging nations, x-ray film processors are still considered state-of-the-art technology, so 220-240VAC OPTIMAX sales volume is still strong. Protec made the decision to discontinue the 110-120VAC processors, but continue on with production of 220-240VAC units.

Does that mean that the USA and other 110-120VAC countries can no longer get a new Protec OPTIMAX? Absolutely not! The solution is simple. With every 220-240VAC Protec OPTIMAX, we will include an AC-2000 110-220V Voltage Converter.

Plug the AC-2000 into the 110-120VAC wall outlet. Plug the 220-240VAC Protec OPTIMAX into the AC-2000 Voltage Converter. Simple! This solution has been proven reliable over many years of trials. 

Now who in the USA is still using wet film and x-ray film processors?

• Small private practices like veterinarians, chiropractors, and podiatrists.
• Scientific and research facilities using the processor for Western Blot testing.
• NDT industrial accounts.

And for export outside the USA, we can provide a mammography version of the OPTIMAX.

Surprisingly, x-ray film processor use is still alive and well in the USA. So if you need an x-ray film processor, FI Sales has them. We still have 110-120VAC ECOMAX in stock in the USA.

And now we have 220-240VAC OPTIMAX with AC-2000 Voltage Converters in stock in the USA.

                                           

FI Sales can also offer the AFP Mini-Med 90 in 110-120VAC or 220-240VAC configurations.

You can no longer purchase new Konica, AGFA, Kodak or Hope processors. While FI Sales offers so much more these days, we are now THE place to turn for x-ray film processors. Call us at 1-888-972-9777, email us at info@fisalesllc.com, or visit us online at our Protec processor webpage or at our AFP processor webpage. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Western Blot X-Ray Film Processors

Although it is fast becoming a digital world, there is still a place for x-ray film processors in the world of blot analysis, specifically Western, Northern and Southern Blot techniques. The term "blotting" refers to the transfer of biological samples from a gel to a membrane, and their subsequent detection on the surface of the membrane. RNA, DNA, and Proteins are the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life, and blot techniques are used to identify their presence. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting to detect proteins and glycoproteins is one of the most widely used and broadly useful techniques in cancer research.

The Northern Blot is an analytical technique used in molecular biology research to study gene expression through detection of RNA in a tissue sample. Northern blotting allows one to observe a particular gene's expression pattern betweens tissues, organs, developmental stages, environmental stress levels, pathogen infection, and over the course of a treatment protocol. The hybrid signals are detected by x-ray film and can be quantified by densitometry.

The Southern Blot is a technique routinely used in molecular biology for detection of a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples. After hybridization, excess probe is washed from the membrane and the pattern of hybridization is visualized on x-ray film by autoradiography in the case of a radioactive or fluorescent probe.

The Western Blot (also called the Protein Immunoblot) is a more widely used analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in the given sample of tissue homogenate or extract. The specific proteins are separated through electrophoresis by the use of labeled antibodies. This enables the identification of a target protein in a complex protein mixture. Western blotting can also produce qualitative and semi-quantitative data about the protein.

The most sensistive detection methods in Western Blot use a chemiluminescent substrate that will produce light when combined with the enzyme. The light is a transient product of the enzyme-substrate reaction and is measureable only as long as the reaction occurs. In well-optimized assays using proper antibody dilutions and sufficient substrate, the reaction may produce stable light output for 1 to 24 hours, allowing consistent and sensitive detection with x-ray film or digital imaging equipment. The light output can be captured using x-ray film or a CCD digital imaging system. X-ray film is the most sensitive method and can provide the most detail because x-ray film is more densely coated with photo-reactive molecules than a CCD digital imaging detector has photo sensors. In addition, the x-ray film is placed nearly in direct contact with the blot, separated only by a thin transparent plastic sheet, allowing more light photons to collide and interact with the film emulsion than with a CCD digital detector that may be located behind one or more focusing lenses. For these reasons, x-ray film exposure times are shorter than those required when using digital imaging equipment.

So despite a world that is becoming more digitized, x-ray film still has a place thanks to blot analysis which means x-ray film processors still have a place. FI Sales offers 2 models perfect for developing of blots.

The ECOMAX is a high quality, fully automatic x-ray film processor made by Protec in Germany. For low to medium volume x-ray film developing, the ECOMAX is a good fit. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The ECOMAX typically sells for about $4500 to $5000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

The OPTIMAX is also made by Protec in Germany, and has a few more features than the ECOMAX. For higher volume x-ray film processing, the OPTIMAX is recommended. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The OPTIMAX typically sells for about $5500 to $6000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

Compare that price with the cost of a CCD digital imaging system that can run upwards of $20,000.  For about 20% of the cost of digital, you can have a reliable x-ray film processor.
Visit our Protec processor webpage for more details on the ECOMAX and OPTIMAX x-ray film processors.

When To "Go Digital" - Updated 2019

Some practices are still wondering about when to go digital. There are many advantages to digital imaging:

• No expenses for chemical, film, or monthly maintenance
• Ability to manipulate and improve image quality, thereby reducing retakes
• Improved processing speed, especially with DR
• Ability to easily store and transit images digitally
• And many more ...

So if a practice can afford digital, then by all means they should purchase a name brand digital system from a respected manufacturer. Be cautious of off-brands that may be as much as $10,000 less expensive, but may not be around in 2 years when support is needed.

But what about practices that are short on funds and are conservative with the funds they have? I have seen estimates around $5 per film for the cost of processing an x-ray film using a chemical x-ray film processor. Then ROI (return on investment) calculations can be made to justify the purchase or lease cost of the digital system. But for the practices that only process a few x-ray films per week or even per month, the numbers just don't add up in favor of digital imaging.

At this point, most hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and large general practices have already made the switch to digital. Large chiropractic, podiatric, and veterinary practices have moved into the digital imaging age. But there are still some smaller practices with sporadic x-ray use that simply can't justify the investment in digital imaging. For them, an x-ray film processor is still a wise investment.

FI Sales now offers 3 x-ray film processor models to meet the needs of any practice.

• The Protec OPTIMAX is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features. 
• The Protec ECOMAX is a 100 second, fully automatic processor with basic features.
• The AFP Mini-Med is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features.

Many practices these days are choosing the ECOMAX due to it being an excellent quality processor that can handle film volume from very low to a moderately high.

All models are available in "No Plumbing" versions, allowing a practice some versatility as to what room to use as a darkroom. This can be very important for new practices being built that will eventually "go digital," but do not want to make that investment just starting out.

Feel free to contact FI Sales for further discussion on what image processing system is appropriate for your practice. We can refer you to a trusted digital imaging supplier or sell you an x-ray film processor. Call us at 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.

Protec Ecomax Video is now available

The Protec ECOMAX, the world's most economical x-ray film processor, can now be seen on YouTube. FI Sales is the exclusive North American source for ECOMAX processors. The Protec ECOMAX is economical to purchase, economical to operate, and environmentally friendly. Choose the No Plumbing Kit to add to the Protec ECOMAX if you have no water supply or floor drain.

No Plumbing Solutions

FI Sales offers the best No Plumbing solutions in the x-ray film processor world.


For use with the Protec ECOMAX & OPTIMAX X-ray Film Processors, but adaptable to other processor models, is our No Plumbing Kit. With a 6.5 gallon tank reservoir (looks slightly different than shown in picture) to hold water and a submersible pump, the No Plumbing Kit circulates water from the tank to the processor and back continuously when plugged in. The No Plumbing Kit can be added onto a new or existing processor model. Use the No Plumbing Kit when a freshwater supply and a floor or wall drain do not exist in the darkroom. Watch the video on YouTube.

FI Sales, LLC can supply parts for Fischer Industries X-Ray Film Processors plus so much more - Updated 2019

When the ownership of Fischer Industries decided to terminate operations on 12/31/07, we opened FI Sales, LLC to provide parts and technical support for all installed Fischer x-ray film processors. Visit us at http://www.fisalesllc.com/, email us at info@fisalesllc.com, or call us toll-free at 1-888-XRAY-777. We look forward to supplying your Fischer parts needs as well as offering you:

• Protec OPTIMAX (formerly Summit QCP) processors
• Protec ECOMAX processors
• Protec Mobile X-Ray Tables

Visit us at http://www.fisalesllc.com/ soon! We look forward to seeing you.

Updated 2019

Make sure you check out the G5 Professional Massage Line we offer. FI Sales has been the #1 G5 distributor in the world the last 3 years!