Engineers often face an uncomfortable tradeoff when specifying process instrumentation: Choose an off-the-shelf instrument and get it quickly — but compromise on the exact configuration the application needs. Or, order an instrument customized for the process — and accept a potentially much longer lead time.
Alicat Scientific’s new FastTrack™ program reduces that tradeoff.
For eligible configurations, Alicat manufactures and ships customized flow and pressure instruments in five business days, giving customers access to application-specific configurations without the extended lead times frequently associated with made-to-order instrumentation.
For OEMs, laboratories, system integrators, production facilities, and research teams working against a project deadline, that combination can make a significant difference.
Made to order doesn’t have to mean months
Flow and pressure instrumentation isn't always something that can be pulled off a shelf.
For example, two applications that both require a “100 SLPM mass flow controller” may need very different instruments.
One might require:
- Standard accuracy
- A local display
- RS-232 communications
- Standard NPT fittings
Another might require:
- High-accuracy calibration
- No local display
- EtherNet/IP
- An industrial electrical connector
- Reduced pressure drop
Even though the basic function is similar, the required configuration is not.
Alicat’s normal approach is highly configurable, with instruments built around actual application requirements. Its FastTrack program identifies a broad group of commonly requested options that can still be built on an accelerated schedule.
Have a project on a tight schedule?
Thermo/Cense represents Alicat Scientific flow and pressure instrumentation and can help customers determine the appropriate model, configuration, and available delivery options for their application.
Send Thermo/Cense your gas, flow range, pressures, communication requirements, and required delivery date. We can help determine whether an Alicat FastTrack configuration fits the application. Contact Us
What can be customized through FastTrack?
Alicat’s current FastTrack program provides a number of choices rather than restricting customers to one standard configuration.
Eligible options include:
Calibration: Standard or high-accuracy, depending on the instrument and application.
Display: Monochrome or color
Communication Protocol: One of the most useful FastTrack options for applications including laboratory equipment, PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation systems. Options include:
- Analog
- RS-232
- RS-485
- Modbus RTU
- PROFIBUS
- EtherNet/IP
- EtherCAT
- Modbus TCP/IP
- PROFINET
Electrical Connections: FastTrack supports multiple electrical connector choices, including MD8, locking industrial connections, DB9M, and DB15 options.
For qualifying applications, customers can still make meaningful choices about accuracy, display, communications, electrical connections, fittings, pressure drop, and other features while retaining an accelerated manufacturing schedule.
FastTrack’s expanded high-flow and industrial communication options
A fast lead time has limited value if the resulting instrument can't communicate with the rest of the machine.
Alicat announced in mid-2025 that it can accelerate more products through FastTrack: higher-flow Rolamite valve options, and additional Ethernet-based communication protocols.
FastTrack’s growing protocol selection helps address both requirements at once.
Fast delivery still starts with good application information
Even when the schedule is tight, correctly specifying the instrument matters.
Before selecting a FastTrack flow controller or meter, it helps to know:
- Gas or fluid
- Minimum and maximum flow
- Inlet pressure
- Outlet pressure
- Process temperature
- Required accuracy
- Allowable pressure drop
- Required communication protocol
- Electrical connector
- Process fittings
- Display preference
Providing those details at the beginning can make it much easier to determine both the appropriate instrument and whether the requested configuration qualifies for FastTrack production.
Fast doesn’t have to mean generic
The most interesting aspect of FastTrack may be that it challenges the usual assumption that quick delivery means accepting an off-the-shelf configuration.
For qualifying applications, customers can still make meaningful choices about accuracy, display, communications, electrical connections, fittings, pressure drop, and other features while retaining an accelerated manufacturing schedule.
That makes FastTrack worth considering whenever both instrument configuration and project schedule matter.
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Thermo/Cense can help you determine the appropriate Alicat Scientific flow and pressure instrumentation model, configuration, and available FastTrack delivery options for your application.
