Guide to Laboratory Equipment Basics

Read up on the most common types of laboratory supplies for your business

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

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See the microscope as one of the most important pieces of laboratory equipment you can own

A microscope is a very important part of a company's lab equipment as they magnify small items. There are eight different types of microscopes: dissecting, slide, digital, 3D, USB, transmission electron, scanning electron and scanning probe. Each kind serves its own purpose and the type you would use for your business depends on your industry. A couple of them such as the scanning electron microscope are specialty lab equipment and would be too powerful and expensive for use in a small business.

I recommend: eSSortment has helpful descriptions on the different types of microscopes available. Bright Hub also gives information on the different types of microscopes but gets into a little bit more details regarding each type. Check out ineed2know.org for an explanation about the different parts of a microscope.

Measure the importance of exact readings with accurate scales and balances

When you need the precise weight or mass of an object, then the type of lab equipment you will use are scales and balances. Scales and balances measure the weight of an object. The more high tech the scale, the smaller unit of measurement the scale can register. The most common unit for measuring weight is the newton.

I recommend: ScienceLab.com lists the different types of scientific scales and balances to help you make the right decision. Laboratory Equipment World gives a helpful glossary of terms associated with scales and balances.

Find new uses for everyday lab supplies like beakers and other glassware

When looking into the different types of laboratory supplies, chances are you will find that lab glassware, specifically beakers, are a must-have in any lab. Use this kind of science laboratory equipment to store and measure liquids as they have a tapered neck that is perfect for pouring. Since there are countless uses for beakers, most scientific laboratory equipment supply companies carry many different sizes.

I recommend: When you’re looking for a thorough explanation of what a beaker is, look on wiseGEEK. Indigo Instruments explains the different types of laboratory glassware, including beakers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While some lab equipment may seem to have the same uses but different names, chances are there are minute differences that go a long way. Be sure to gather plenty of lab equipment information before using all lab equipment.

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Your lab function will determine the lab supplies you need

Scientific labs can serve many functions, and every type of lab will require different laboratory supplies. Determine what functions you intend for your lab to perform, and select the supplies necessary. Check out lab equipment suppliers to view and choose from available supplies.

I recommend: Request a free catalog of the laboratory equipment available at the VWR Lab Shop. Sign up for a free catalog of science laboratory equipment from Daigger or view Daigger's virtual catalog online.

Choose a laboratory equipment supplier

The number of companies that sell laboratory supplies is numerous, and you may find it difficult to choose the supplier for your laboratory. To select between suppliers, consider cost, customer service, delivery options and available warranties on their products.

I recommend: Order laboratory equipment through The Lab Depot's Pro Source online ordering system. This system can save you both money and time. Contact Fisher Scientific for your science laboratory equipment needs, and take advantage of their assistance with repair and maintenance and their in-depth product knowledge.

Find used laboratory equipment

If you have concerns about the high costs of lab equipment, used or refurbished lab equipment can help save you money without sacrificing functionality, ease of use or accuracy. Many retailers specialize in solely used lab equipment. Look to them for some great deals.

I recommend: Locate reconditioned lab supplies from LabEquip Ltd. Search the inventory of used lab equipment available at LabTrader. Browse the used laboratory supplies at American Laboratory Trading online. Request the inventory list of used laboratory equipment sold by Lab Extreme, Inc.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some suppliers will help you design and create custom lab equipment. Consider these custom suppliers if you have a very specialized lab or specialized needs or requests.

Guide to Pricing and Costs of Laboratory Equipment

The price tags of lab equipment depend on the quality and type of instrument

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase lab equipment such as quality microscopes for your projects

Depending on the type, strength and size, microscopes may be one of the more expensive pieces of laboratory equipment you can purchase. If you are using it for occasional smaller projects, then a lower priced piece will probably do. But if your business requires frequent use at a higher power, then the prices will go up accordingly.

I recommend: Home Training Tools will have the right microscope for your needs in prices that range from around $300 to about $1,200. Scope City has a large number of microscopes that range in price from about $70 up to about $1,200.

Use science laboratory equipment such as balances and scales for precise measurements

Scales and balances are one of the more important pieces of science laboratory equipment and this is not an item that you should skimp on if your business requires exact measurements such as chemical, jewelry or shipping. The prices of sales and balances depend on the size and accuracy. While all scales and balances are accurate for the most part, the more expensive science lab equipment will narrow the weight down to the smallest unit of measurement.

I recommend: Balances.com has the right balance for just about every need and they range in price from around $35 up to about $2,700. Look on TorbalScales.com for scales that cost around $1,100 up to about $1,300.

Get the proper type of laboratory supplies like glass beakers for your needs

Lab supplies such as glass beakers are a necessity if your business requires handling liquids on a regular basis. The price of beakers depends on the manufacturer, the thickness of the glass and the size of the beaker. Companies working with chemicals, for example, typically use thicker glass laboratory supplies, which tend to be more expensive.

I recommend: These glass beakers from Lab Depot range in price from around $120 up to about $275 per case depending on the size of the beaker and the amount of pieces in the case. American Science & Surplus carries beakers that range in price from about $1 up to about $27, depending on the piece ordered.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are concerned about the pricing and costs of laboratory equipment, consider purchasing or renting used lab equipment.

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Eudiometer

An eudiometer is a graduated glass tube used to measure reactions of gases. Some are curved, while others are straight. Many eudiometers have electrical charge connections.

I recommend: AudioEnglish.net offers basic information about the eudiometer. Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry provides historical information about the eudiometer.

Pycnometer

A pycnometer is a density analyzer that can measure very small bits of matter. Most pycnometers use a method called the Gas Displacement Technique.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California, Santa Barbara offer information about pycnometers.

Bunsen burner

A Bunsen burner is an open-flame heat source used in laboratories to do experiments. It uses a mixture of methane and oxygen to produce the flame when ignited. Adjusting the air control vent changes the mixture, which changes the intensity of the flame.

I recommend: WiseGeek offers a detailed explanation of Bunsen burners. This website discusses the pros and cons of using a Bunsen burner.

Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer is a device that measures the change in the intensity of light through various substances and densities. The machine uses a spectrometer, which produces light in any color, and a photometer, which measures the intensity of the light.

I recommend: Rice University offers an in-depth explanation of the spectrophotometer. Instructions are included for using one of the most common spectrophotometers. Also included is an explanation of why you should use a reference solution with the spectrophotometer.

Calorimeter

A calorimeter is a device that measures the temperature changes of chemical reactions.

I recommend: Dartmouth College provides information about how a calorimeter works. This website also provides alternative options to purchasing expensive calorimeters.

Gas centrifuge

A gas centrifuge is a specialized piece of equipment used in the uranium enriching process. It separates U-238 and U-235 isotopes, which enables the user to alter the chemical makeup of the uranium.

I recommend: Institute for Science and International Security and GlobalSecuirty.org offer detailed information about the gas centrifuge and its specific uses.