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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.

Guide to Laboratory Equipment Distributors

Lab equipment manufacturers are the source for your lab's most important pieces

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.

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.

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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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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).

Guide to Laboratory Equipment Distributors Pricing and Costs

Determine a realistic budget for laboratory equipment distributors

By Emily Lugg

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Buy in bulk from a lab equipment supplier to save money

Buying several lab equipment supplies from one laboratory distributor allows you to have numerous choices all at the same company. For example, if you purchase testing tubes that cost a $1.25 at a bulk rate of $1, you can save $125 by ordering 500 at a time. Laboratory machines can cost upwards of $10,000 in some cases, so to be able to save even a fraction of that when you purchase multiple machines can save you a bundle.

I recommend: National Scientific Company offers a discount on several lab equipment supplies when you purchase large quantities. LABREPCO carries all the pieces and parts required to run specific machines. Buying all of these pieces from the same place can save on the budget.

Determine which scientific equipment distributors include maintenance in their fees

When you are setting your laboratory equipment supply budget, it's important to consider whether or not lab equipment distributors cover equipment insurance or routine maintenance and for how long. Maintenance on laboratory equipment can be expensive, so it's important to be clear what the suppliers of lab equipment cover when you purchase equipment from them. If they only provide limited services, you will need to factor in calibration and upkeep into your overall budget. These services can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to your costs.

I recommend: Spectrum Chemicals & Laboratory Products offers a quality commitment to its customers. Thermoline Scientific Equipment outlines its customer service claims.

Account for the price of accessories and replacement parts with laboratory equipment distributors

Lab equipment supplies often need various accessories in order to run properly. From tubes that cost around $1 to solutions that can cost up to $50, there are many pieces and parts that are essential to running laboratory equipment. It's also important to take into account that at some point you will need to replace certain parts of laboratory equipment. Laboratory equipment wholesalers sell these parts as well, but if you can plan ahead for parts that you will eventually need, then you will be able to save by including these accessories and replacement parts in your initial order.

I recommend: ACCU-SCOPE shows an example of just some of the accessories you would need for an average microscope. VEE GEE Scientific provides a price list of accessories that range in price from $25 to $50 each.