Science is a vast field from a business perspective. It is also a very dynamic field, with new developments happening almost every day, and there is a huge demand for laboratory equipment. Hence, the business of laboratory equipment carries a tremendous sales potential for lab equipment manufacturers and distributors. In particular, pharmaceutical companies have large R&D departments and are in constant need of apparatus for their laboratories, making the lab equipment supply a thriving business. If you want to establish yourself as a lab equipment distributor or buy lab equipment, you will need to understand common terms associated with this business. This guide covers some of the common terms, such as bunsen burner, compound microscope and calorimeter.

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Compound microscope

A compound microscope is an important instrument in a biological laboratory. It enables the viewer to see the specimens under very high magnification. A compound microscope is an indispensable instrument, especially for microbiological studies.

I recommend: You can read through basic information on compound microscopes at ACCU-SCOPE, a manufacturer of microscopes.

Stereo microscope

A stereo microscope, also called a zoom stereo microscope or dissecting microscope, is slightly different from a compound microscope. Unlike the compound microscope, it offers a three-dimensional view. This is because it has two separate axes. Stereo microscopes produce less magnification than compound microscopes.

I recommend: Learn about stereo microscopes at Martin Microscope Company, a manufacturer of microscopes.

Bunsen burner

A bunsen burner is a heating device. Scientists use this burner to heat a variety of substances in a laboratory. A bunsen burner has a knob at the bottom that controls the flame by adjusting the flow of gas and air in the tube of the burner.

I recommend: You can read a definition and description of bunsen burners at wiseGEEK, an online information source.

Gas centrifuge

A gas centrifuge is a uranium-enriching instrument that works on the principle of centrifugal force. This instrument consists of a vacuum casing with a rotor that rotates at enormous speed, creating a huge centrifugal force that separates heavier and lighter uranium isotopes.

I recommend: You can read through information on the operation of a gas centrifuge at the Institute for Science and International Security.

Spectrophotometer

As the name suggests, a spectrophotometer consists of two instruments: a spectrometer and a photometer. A spectrometer produces light of the desired frequency, and a photometer measures the intensity of light. Thus, a spectrophotometer measures the change in the intensity of light when light passes through different media.

I recommend: You can read through technical information on spectrophotometer at Rice University.

Calorimeter

A calorimeter is a useful instrument in a chemistry lab. Some chemical reactions are endothermic, while some are exothermic. In other words, some reactions absorb heat and some release heat. Scientists use calorimeters to measure the heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction.

I recommend: You can learn about the operation of a calorimeter at Dartmouth College.

Scientific equipment distributors provide your lab with quality and durable equipment and supplies. Ensuring that nothing compromises the excellence of your data and formulas is of utmost importance. Working with a knowledgeable laboratory distributor will go a long way towards maintaining the integrity of your data and laboratory.

The first step in stocking your lab is to find the right suppliers of lab equipment. Consider these ideas:

1. Find laboratory equipment manufacturers who specialize in scales and balances to guarantee accurate measurements.

2. Locate laboratory glassware manufactures and never run out of these lab “must-haves.”

3. Focus in on the right laboratory equipment wholesalers to get the right microscope for all of your needs.

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Get the correct weight every time with scales and balances from lab equipment distributors

Getting the correct weight every time is imperative to your lab's recipes and formulas. One mistake will cost your company time and money. Ensure no mistakes are made by purchasing scales and balances from reputable laboratory equipment manufacturers.

I recommend: Alliance Scale, Incorporated carries a wide range of laboratory scales and weighing systems. A&D Weighing offers a number of balances that are sure to meet all of your laboratory weighing needs. Rice Lake Weighing Systems provides state-of-the-art balances sure to satisfy your most challenging laboratory requirements.

Stock up on all your lab glassware from scientific equipment distributors

Glass beakers and tubes are staples in every lab. Work with a distributor of lab supplies to keep your supply closets well stocked.

I recommend: Technical Glass Products, Inc. has all of your laboratory glassware needs covered. National Scientific Company carries a large selection of glass rods and beakers in many different shapes and sizes. You are sure to find the right ones. Spectrum Chemicals & Laboratory Products has many types of laboratory glassware available.

Team up with laboratory equipment distributors to get the best microscopes for your money

Your labs need quality, high-powered microscopes that are durable enough to withstand everyday use. Work with a lab equipment supplier to find the microscopes that are best for your applications.

I recommend: ACCU-SCOPE Inc. sells many different microscopes for a variety of laboratory applications. VEE GEE Scientific, Inc. offers high quality microscopes at affordable, wholesale prices. Finally, Aven, Inc. has microscopes that are sure to meet all of your current and future needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your laboratory equipment dealers to inform you when the newest equipment models arrive. Often they discount the previous models to make room in their warehouses for the newer ones.
• •  Many lab distributors provide equipment servicing as well. Save money by getting your broken equipment repaired by a reputable dealer instead of purchasing new pieces every time.

If you want to buy equipment for your laboratory, you will need to acquire basic information about various products that lab equipment distributors supply. Scientific equipment distributors offer a wide array of lab equipment, ranging from large machinery to small instruments, at a variety of prices. Therefore, you will need to be careful while choosing the right equipment for your application and the right lab equipment supplier, who will provide the equipment at the lowest price.

If you want to establish yourself as one of the lab equipment manufacturers or laboratory equipment distributors, you will need to learn the fundamentals of lab equipment applications and maintenance. If you are one of the lab distributors or manufacturers, you will need to keep your knowledge up-to-date to stay ahead of the competition. Furthermore, constant communication with other suppliers of lab equipment will help you to expand your business.

To educate yourself and/or your workforce about lab equipment supplies, you can:

1. Join associations for laboratory equipment manufacturers and distributors
2. Learn about the international standards for lab equipment
3. Subscribe to magazines dedicated to the lab industry
4. Interact with experts in the lab industry

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Subscribe to magazines to keep up-to-date information on lab equipment supplies

If you are a laboratory equipment dealer, you will need to keep yourself informed about the latest developments in the scientific equipment industry. Magazines dedicated to the lab industry can provide important updates about the scientific equipment industry.

I recommend: Laboratory Equipment is a magazine dedicated to the lab equipment industry. You can also subscribe to R&D Magazine, a periodical for professionals in the laboratory industry. In addition, you can subscribe to Pharmaceutical Processing, a magazine for the pharmaceutical industry.

Join associations for laboratory equipment dealers and manufacturers

If you are a manufacturer or distributor of lab supply products, you will need to keep yourself updated about other aspects of business, such as price trends of lab equipment, demand for the lab products and government regulations in the industry. For this purpose, you can join associations for lab equipment manufacturers and distributors.

I recommend: You can join American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), an association for owners of clinical laboratories and professionals in related businesses, including lab equipment distribution. You can also become a member of Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA), an association for the lab automation industry. In addition, you can join the Canadian Laboratory Suppliers Association (CLSA), an association for professionals dealing in lab equipment supplies.

Buy updated standards for lab equipment supplies

Various organizations develop and update standards for lab supply products. You will need to keep yourself informed about updates in the standards in order to supply compliant products.

I recommend: You can buy updated standards at the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), an organization that develops international standards for clinical and laboratory equipment. In addition, you can also buy international standards for lab equipment at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).