Precision Graphic Instruments, Inc. Blog

Low prices, high quality!

2009-06-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Some businesses quietly raise their prices then have 'sales' - we haven't raised the prices on most of our items in over four years. People appreciate honesty in pricing and real bargains, not false savings.

Combine this with our flat-rate *Shipping (same price to ship one or 100 items) and this affords you a great way to get more for your money.

We stock a large variety of hard-to-find, high quality items: magnifiers and loupes, microscopes, micrometers and calipers.

Many of the items are used by schools for crafts and science projects (check out our As-Is section).

Collectors and hand-crafters find our magnifiers and microscopes quite useful to see minute details or check for markings.

Professional printers will find a wide range of magnifiers - some designed to keep in their pockets thoughout the day to check print registration and dot patterns as well as many press and pre-press items.

*in the continental U.S.

National Business Media (NBM); Long Beach, CA; July 30 - Aug. 1, 2009

2009-06-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

More information: http://www.nbmshows.com/

From the expo producers:

The Sign Business & Digital Graphics Show, The PrintWear Show, and The Awards & Engraving Show – all under one roof!

For anyone involved with awards and recognition products, custom gifts, promotional products, screen printing, digital textile printing, heat-applied graphics, signs and banners – this is THE place to go this summer to focus on your primary market while also researching complimentary products.

Three days of exhibits and a four-day Education Conference with seminars and workshops.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

Unique Stereoscope (3-D) Viewer

2009-06-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

3-D is back! Movies, TV, comic books - you can even use Stereoscopes to view images on the Internet! These are sometimes known as ‘3-D viewers’ – and as a children’s toy ‘View-Master.’

One inventive customer called us to see if we had any loose lenses – he wanted to make his own Stereoscope. He was extremely happy when we were able to help him with his project – so happy, in fact, that he sent us one of the homemade wooden stereoscopes he’d made. We thought it was pretty impressive and decided to let other people know how to do this.

Instructions for making your own stereoscope viewer: http://www.funsci.com/fun3_en/stscp/stscp.htm, http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Stereoscope. Please contact us to see if we have any loose lenses available and you too can make your own Stereoscope!

There are Stereographic clubs all over the world and competitions for those interested in making their own Stereo or 3-D images: http://www.stereoscopy.com/isu/memberclubs.html

Stereoscopes have been used and enjoyed by U.S. Presidents and British royalty - in 1851 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert observed one at the London Crystal Palace Exposition and were later presented with one for their own personal use. They come in many shapes and sizes and have developed over the decades to include ones that now can be used to view 3-D images on computer monitors: http://cprr.org/Museum/Ephemera/Stereo-Viewers.html, http://home.centurytel.net/s3dcor/sgraph.htm, http://www.ignomini.com/photographica/3dhandviewers.html

If you would like to know more about this unique hobby there are lots of web-sites but these will help you get started: http://www.stereoscopy.com/, http://www.bitwise.net/~ken-bill/stereo.htm, http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/history/stereosc.htm, http://www.arts.rpi.edu/~ruiz/stereo_history/text/historystereog.html, http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/research/r_virt_mm5.html, http://www.cinti.net/~vmmasell/Viewers.html

Need an easy way to find a conversion?

2009-05-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a super easy way to figure out inches to centimeters, mils to microns, points for paper thickness and lots of other measurements - our Measurement Converter.

Bookmark this page so you can find it when you need it! Saves time and effort - and eliminates guesswork.

Print 09, Chicago; September 11 - 16, 2009

2009-05-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

More information: http://www.print09.com/

From the expo producers:

This year's show aptly themed "myPRINT" is like none other with an expanded focus on new market segments and the latest technological developments from leading industry suppliers.

See all the latest Show Press Releases:
April 30, 2009: GASC ANNOUNCES "ECONOMIC STIMULUS" PLAN FOR PRINT 09 EXHIBITORS
March 16, 2009: PRINT 09 ANNOUNCES MEDIA DAYS FOR INDUSTRY EDITORS
March 3, 2009: EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK 09 TO PINPOINT BIGGEST TRENDS, TECHNOLOGIES AND STRATGIES TO PREPARE FOR A RECOVERY ECONOMY

Along with the regular session series, this year there are double-session series where highly focused seminars run twice as long as a regular seminar because the nature of their topic simply demands it. Instructors will cover the topic thoroughly.

This year MFSA has produced a special series of seminars focused on helping solve issues faced by mailing and fulfillment centers as well as how to get started in offering mailing and fulfillment services.

There will also be Computer labs, Print Buyers Boot Camp, ideal for Entry-Level to Junior Level Print Buyers, and Print Buyers Forum, designed for the high-end, ultra-experienced print buyer interested in the latest technology and new media—and how they will affect them.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

PrintSynergy 2009 & 2009 IADD/FSEA Odyssey, May 6 – 9, 2009

2009-03-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

More information: http://www.piag.org/public/150.cfm

From the expo producers:

These two industry-specific events are in the same location and their dates will overlap to bring the best value and benefits for many niche areas. Traditional and digital processes including label printing, wide-format, package printing (among others), and diecutting, diemaking, foil stamping and embossing will be presented.

Come explore the latest technologies, discover answers to operational challenges.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

ISA International Sign Expo, April 15 – 18, 2009

2009-03-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

More information: http://www.signexpo.org/default.aspx

From the expo producers:
Pre-Conference Interactive Workshop, April 15 - “Manage and Grow Your Sign Business in a Challenging Economy” with a panel of seasoned industry executives will provide proven tips and tools to help you stabilize and grow your business in these lean times. Presenters are Troy Crocker of Sign Faces, Mike Lauretano of Lauretano Sign Group, and Scott Gardner of Gardner Signs Inc.

Keynote speaker on April 17, Jim "JT" Tatem, United Franchise Group Brand Director - Learn the “5 Thrive Strategies” which equip you to: Focus on doing impactful things first. Go forward by letting go of the mistakes of the past. Build an unstoppable team of individuals who strive to take responsibility. Break free of limiting beliefs that keep you constrained to your current results.

From us:
Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.

Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

Graphics of the Americas, February 26-28, 2009

2009-01-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

More information: http://www.graphicsoftheamericas.com/index.html

From the expo producers:

At GOA2009 the most forward-thinking, dynamic presenters will share their insight, challenges and successes in more than 50 individual seminar sessions. Learn new strategies and best practices to help you reach out to emerging markets, cultivate new prospects, and deepen relationships with current customers. Also, learn tips, tricks and techniques for the latest graphic communications software. There is something for everyone at GOA2009…an industry event like no other!

Graphics of the Americas is committed to helping you maximize your educational opportunities at GOA 2009. This year, for the first time at the show we are offering a lot of Bonus Sessions that are free of charge to all attendees. Special Keynote speaker Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist & Humorist speaks at Thursday’s 11:00 a.m. Bonus Session. Two other speakers during GOA 2009 are JOHN BORD, President and CMO – GUEVAVI, who will be speaking on “Marketing to the Latin Market” and CHUCK WEGER, Elara Systems, who will start the celebration early Friday afternoon with his fast-paced, hilarious game show that pits Industry executives and pundits against each other to test their knowledge and reaction time. Their answers to some penetrating questions will be rated by a panel of judges, and by you, the audience.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

On Demand Conference & Exposition, March 30 - April 2, 2009

2009-01-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

More information: www.ondemandexpo.com

From the expo producers:

Evaluate, Assess and Select Digital Printing Technology – Meet with more than 200 vendors for real-world advice from the experts. Discuss with industry leaders and analysts what to buy and how to buy it.

Probe and Test Products and Services – From Digital Production Hardware/Software; Workflow and Color Management, Web-to-Print Solutions, Variable Data Printing, Wide-Format Printing, Mailing Services/Solutions, Substrates & Consumables, Binding & Finishing Equipment/Services, Cross-Media Marketing Tools.

The Expo Hall is the largest gathering of digital printing technology and solution providers in North America covering:

Bindery, Feeding & Finishing Equipment & Services

Color Management

Cross-Media Marketing Tools

Design/Creative Prepress

Digital Publishing

Enterprise Applications/Communications

Scanning/Imaging Equipment

Mailing & Fulfillment Services

On Demand/Short Run Publishing

Print Production & Workflow Software

Roll fed printing equipment

Cut sheet printing equipment

Wide format printing equipment

Printing Services

Substrates & Consumables

Variable Data Software

Web Enablement Software and Publishing

Wide-Format Printing

Workflow Management

From us:

PPAI Expo in Las Vegas - January 12 - 16, 2009

2008-12-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

More information: http://www.theppaiexpo.org/expo

From the expo producers:

The [X]factor. It's the difference between good and great.

Innovative ideas to help grow your business in these tough economic times and opportunities to kick start your year! Workshops for distributors and suppliers are scheduled by industry experts Larry Mays, Robert Hechler, Scott Deming and many others, plus well-known author of the bestselling book, Made to Stick, Chip Heath. They bring insight and ideas together – exploring new ways to identify, reach and keep clients.

Take a look at all of the sessions planned and you'll be amazed by the depth and breadth of topics being covered.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it anymore.

Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

Topic: Tradeshows

Versatile Adjustable Focus 6x Loupe Magnifier

2008-10-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need a magnifier on a stand that leaves both your hands free.

This adjustable focus 6-power loupe magnifier has the added convenience of a weighted base. With this feature you can work on items without the magnifier shifting. Wonderful for doing touch-ups on film and pictures, working on small details of a project, threading needles for craft work, looking at coins or stamps, reading the fine print on items… hundreds of uses!

Once focused, the larger viewing area (1 ¼”) and twin coated photographic quality lenses give a clear view of the items right to the edge and the image isn’t reversed! There’s also a lens cap to protect the lens from dust when you’re not using it (just like a camera).

CPP Converting & Package Expo, Pack Expo, Process Expo

2008-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

More information: http://www.cppexpo.com/

From the expo producers:
“1 Place for you to see it all”

A three-in-one expo! CPP Expo is again partnering with Pack Expo and Process Expo for their fourth annual combined event being held in McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Chicago, Illinois – November 9-13, 2008.

Converting and Package Printing (flexible and carton), Food Processing and Packaging, Labeling - from the latest in technology and machinery to cross market partnering opportunities - it all combines to provide a great way to expand your business with the convenience of attending only one event! Information, ideas, innovative equipment, services and products, suppliers, manufacturers and buyers all under one roof.

Attendees will find a complete supply chain here, from concept to completion.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will keep and use – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it in the graphics arena.Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

Great First Aid Kit

2008-04-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Handy First Aid Kit for your work place – designed specifically to meet the needs of a 25-person environment. This can be hung on a wall easily and comes with basic instructions for treating different types of wounds and CPR right on the inside of the lid! The case has an inner rubber seal and can be left in a humid environment.

Contents include items for relief from stings, burn cream, iodine and antiseptic wipes, several sizes of bandages, eye flush, latex gloves, and an instant cold pack as well as the usual adhesive strips, gauze pads, tweezers and scissors found in your general first aid kits.

A wearable magnifer!

2008-03-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself hunting for that magnifier you know you had in your hand just a minute ago?

This double-lens 8x loupe can be worn around your neck on a cord since it has two small holes on one side of the clear acrylic base expressly for that purpose (cord not included). The twin lenses provide a sharp, clear view and with a 1-inch viewing area and a clear acrylic base to let light in, it’s perfect for viewing those small details on objects.

User-Friendly Microscope

2008-03-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

Looking for a handheld microscope? This 15x microscope fits in your pocket and is easy to use – just turn the wheel on the side to focus! Users vary from stamp and coin collectors, to entomology and botanical enthusiasts, to students on field trips or in science classes. Affordable and portable.

New Software Partnership Brings Value and Great Tools

2008-02-24T15:58:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now an affiliate of Iconico.com. Please view our software page for details on great web-based graphic design software. From the Iconico.com website:
"Iconico, Inc. provides high quality software for design and development to a wide range of professional computer users. Our software ranges from small tools to full applications, and we design our software to be intuitively simple to use. "

Mitutoyo Products In Stock

2008-01-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

We have Mitutoyo products in stock! Nuff said.

Christmas Sale ends December 25

2007-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Browse around our store! You should noticie that most everything is on sale. We're going to run the sale until December 25th, and we have various shipping options that should allow you to get that special someone the PH Indicator Pen, or the "International Paper Pocket Pal - 20th Edition" they've always wanted.

Thanksgiving Sale through November 25

2007-11-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

Check out our Thanksgiving sale. Most of our prices are reduced. Goes through November 25th.

PET Strategies Conference: November 28-30

2007-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

For more information: http://bnpevents.com/PS/2007/PET/index.htm

From the conference producers:
November 28-30 2007
Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, U.S.A.

PET Strategies is the only event in North America that addresses, both independently and in total systems solutions approaches, the business and technologies of the PET packaging supply chain from raw materials to converters to the brand-owner.

PET Strategies, one of the longest-running and most successful events of its kind in North America, annually attracts industry executives from North & South America, Mexico/Latin America, Europe, and the pan-Asian marketplaces.

PET Strategies focuses on operational strategies, technology and process innovations, raw materials and consumer trends analysis and forecasting, and collaborative system solution approaches that global PET packaging executives – including raw materials suppliers, converters, R&D, and business development professionals – can use to develop tactical and strategic initiatives and to develop and bring to market new material, structure, barrier, process, and machine technology innovations.

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will use and keep – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it in the graphics arena.

Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

30x Illuminated Microscope

2007-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

This 30x Illuminated Microscope ($24.95) is one of our customer's favorite products. People who buy this product have been from wide ranging disciplines including printing, graphic arts, stamp collection, machining, geology, textiles, and hobbies. It is a great inspection tool for anyone who needs to do close up work while not being tied down to a desktop microscope. Its portability, rugged construction, built-in light source, and variable focus allows it be used for an endless array of applications.

If you own or are about to buy one (or several) of these let us know what you are using it for! Use this blog's comment feature to leave us a note.

Help with Color is Here!

2007-10-14T21:04:00.001-07:00

Did you know, we have several great products to help you with your color work?

Process Color Wheel:
A new tool for all those involved in printing, graphic arts design and desktop publishing. This guide consists of four clear plastic wheels--each printed in the basic process colors--yellow, magenta, cyan and black -in 10% increments. The wheels are turned in sequence by rotating the coded tab until the desired color is revealed.
PANTONE® formula guide coated, uncoated:
The latest edition has been redesigned in a larger format which provides more color area with which to work, improved readability of important color data and better accessibility to all colors on the pages. The formula guide is an essential tool for graphic designers, pre-press professionals and printers. Its simple design provides a convenient and portable reference that can accompany you at client presentations or on press. This two-guide set contains 1,114 PANTONE Colors on coated and uncoated stocks.
PANTONE® formula guide solid matte:
The latest edition has been redesigned in a larger format which provides more color area with which to work, improved readability of important color data and better accessibility to all colors on the pages. If you specify PANTONE® Colors for reproduction on matte paper, this guide provides an accurate representation of how they will appear on the final output. Ink formulations for 1,114 solid PANTONE Colors are included in parts and percentages.

Flexographic Technical Association: November 5-7, Nashville

2007-10-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

More Info: http://www.flexography.org/online/fallconf/overview.cfm

From the producers:
"Productivity & Profitability"

Sure, we all want shorter make ready times, increased throughput, reduced waste, increased press capacity, and perhaps most importantly, increased bottom lines! But what are the best tools and techniques you should employ to guarantee these results?

Attend FFTA’s “Productivity & Profitability” conference where more than twenty presentations, four panel discussions, and two sets of concurrent sessions will focus on pressroom and process optimization for the flexo and offset industries.

With a keynote presentation focusing on ultra-high brand security measures to presentations and panel discussions on FIRST 4.0 (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances), “Productivity & Profitability” will provide you with expert advice and best practices that you can take back to the plant and put to work for your company immediately!

From us:

Don't forget! When it comes to handing out a promotional item, you want something your prospects and customers will use and keep – something of real value! Refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs (the ordinary advertising specialty products) simply don’t cut it in the graphics arena.

Our custom imprint magnifiers and production tools are sold exclusively through our distributors. Call your advertising specialty distributor or contact us for a referral to one in your area.

Proportion Wheel - No Batteries Required!

2007-09-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Our society is definitely focused on gadgets with glitz; sleeker and more digital the better. In some cases more technology can be better. But, we prefer tools you can rely on like our completely non-digital, non-electronic, non-battery operated Proportion Scale. It will never fail you. And, you can always use it as long as you have enough light to see by.

From our Website:
This 6" diameter vinyl proportion scale is designed to quickly ascertain new reproduction sizes for original art, copy, or photographs. It gives number of times of enlargement or percentage of reduction and shows the new size of any element or area of an original when the whole original is reproduced to a new size. Measurements under 1" are marked in red for slides and other small scale work.

Your cost: $6.49

Order Yours Today!

Save between 25% and 75% on our Sale Items

2007-09-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

Some of our favorite magnifiers are on sale! Click each image below to read the product details:

6x Focusing Wide View Magnifier with Cut-Away Base

Regular price: $19.95, Sale price: $4.95

You save: 75%

22x Adjustable Stand Magnifier

Regular price: $44.95, Sale price: $33.75

You save: 25%

6x Focusing Loupe Magnifier on Stand

Regular price: $69.95, Sale price: $47.95

You save: 31%

15x Focusing Magnifier with Acrylic Base

Regular price: $29.95, Sale price: $19.95

You save: 33%

10x Focusing Octagon Collimating Magnifier

Regular price: $59.95, Sale price: $39.95

You save: 33%