We recently caught up with MRI MED, a long-standing partner who’s been working with Watec Cameras for over 20 years. The conversation offered a closer look at their company, the evolution of our collaboration, and some of the technical innovations behind their custom product solutions.
Watec: It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time. Can you tell us about MRI MED and the markets that you serve?
MRI MED: We’re a medical company specializing in MRI accessories. While we don’t sell MRI machines themselves, we provide essential accessories that enhance MRI rooms, including non-magnetic wheelchairs, stretchers, sound systems, and closed-circuit TV camera systems. Every product we offer is made from non-magnetic materials to ensure safety and compatibility. We also modify Watec cameras, enhancing their non-magnetic properties for seamless use in MRI environments.
Watec: Can you elaborate on the process of making the cameras in your applications more non-magnetic?
MRI MED: We modify cameras by replacing internal components, ensuring they meet strict non-magnetic requirements. Each camera is rigorously tested across various magnet types and field strengths, making our expertise highly specialized.
MRI environments have powerful magnetic fields—that’s how they function. Anything entering the MRI room must be either completely non-magnetic or securely tethered to prevent it from being pulled into the magnet. This isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical safety requirement. Every product we sell undergoes extensive testing to ensure it meets the highest safety standards before being approved for use in MRI environments.
Watec: Can you tell me more about your markets? Regionally, where are you focused?
MRI MED: While we’re a U.S.-based company, we sell our products worldwide, with a strong presence in the U.S. market. We serve a highly specialized industry—one that has grown over the past 10–15 years but remains relatively small. Our primary customers include hospitals and stand-alone MRI clinics, with MRI technologists and MRI buyers being our key decision-makers.
Watec: How do the Watec cameras get used? What type of applications?
MRI MED: Our products are not primarily designed for patient monitoring in the MRI room. Instead, they are used for security purposes—to ensure the room remains safe and everything is in order. Typically, our clients purchase one or two cameras, positioning them at the front and back of the room for full visibility. This allows them to monitor the space from a security standpoint and ensure a controlled environment.
Watec: Do your customer have the option to customize your products?
MRI MED: Our system is not customizable—we sell a complete, ready-to-use kit. Customization is extremely limited because the setup is specifically designed to work with certain magnets, connections, and wiring. Any modifications could create artifacts, leading to interference, which is why our system is carefully engineered for optimal performance.
Watec: How long you’ve been working with Watec products?
MRI MED: Since 2007.
Watec: And is there are there any specific reasons why Watec cameras rose above other cameras as your preferred camera? Additionally, are there things specifically about the Watec cameras that you feel give you flexibility or advantages when building your product?
MRI MED: Honestly, the quality of Watec cameras and the fact that you’re willing to customize them for us made a huge difference. Not every vendor we work with is easy to collaborate with—I often hear some grumbling. But I only have good things to say about Watec. Your responsiveness and willingness to work with us have been outstanding, and that goes a long, long way.
Watec: That is great to hear. It was a pleasure having this discussion and I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time today to talk with me.
