RE: VIP Processor parts

From:Nancy Klemme

I wish to clarify any "mis"information about VIP-1000, 2000 or 3000 spare
parts availability.

Sakura Finetek (Manufacturer of Tissue-Tek[trademark] VIP[copyright] units
since 1982) continues to stock VIP-1000,2000 & 3000 spare parts.
The VIP 1K, 2K and 3K units were manufactured from 1982 through 1992.
Manufacturers are required to provide any spare parts for at least seven (7)
years beyond the last production date.
In December of 2000, Sakura sent a letter to all users (as supplied by
Miles' customer list.)  That letter stated an "estimate" of two years-worth
of material on hand to manufacture new parts.  Sakura still has Preventive
Maintenance and repair spare parts in stock.  But IF our manufacturing site
finds that certain gizmos, nuts or bolts are no longer being made, efforts
will not be made to have them specially made.  That would be very expensive
and you (the customer) would have to bear that cost.  Sakura may have parts
for the next 2, 4 or 8 years.  As the letter stated, we simply cannot
"guarantee"  the supply for a predictable length of time.

The letter was sent with the intention of reminding you of the age of your
VIP-"K" series unit - 10 to 20 years old.  You will know the age of your
unit by it's serial number: the first two digits identify the year of
manufacture.
Sakura continues to service these VIPs and also has BMET training courses on
the products.
It has not been Sakura's intention to cause any sort of panic over parts
availability.    Being aware of your product age and instrument life-span is
meant to assist you in making  wise budget plans.

I'm sure you will also receive information from many independent service
companies, too.

Kindest Regards,
Nancy

Nancy Klemme (HT)ASCP
Customer/Product Support Mgr.
Sakura Finetek USA, Inc.
1750 W. 214th Street
Torrance, CA    90501
Phone = 800/725-8723
Web site = www.sakuraus.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Barnhart, Tammy [mailto:Tbarnhart@primecare.org]
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 11:47 AM
To: histonet@pathology. swmed. edu (E-mail)
Subject: VIP Processor parts


I'm sure everyone with a older VIP processor has heard by now (or should
have) that Sukura will not be selling parts for repairs soon.  Does anyone
know of a company that will be selling aftermarket or used parts?  I have a
VIP 3000 (12 yrs old) that I use for a back up to my new VIP processor and
would like to know I could get it fixed should it break down.  Service from
Sukura will be discontinued, but I have a great Biomed department that fixes
mine when they break.  Also, does anyone have a old (even non-working) one
they would be willing to sell for parts?  Any and all replies (including
vendors) will be appreciated.

Tammy Barnhart, BS, HTL(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Department
St. Alexius Medical Center
Bismarck, ND
tbarnhart@primecare.org
(701) 530-6730






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