Autoclaves can produce constant pressure and temperature for extended durations. Autoclave sterilization is the most well known use for these machines, but industrial autoclaves are also the key to manufacturing rubber and plastic polymers.

Not all autoclaves operate on the same scientific principles. Besides heat sterilization, there are also chemical and ultraviolet light sterilization processes. Here is a breakdown of sterilization autoclave types and some of their characteristics:

1. Heat and steam autoclaves maintain a minimum of 246 degrees F for a half hour or more to sterilize equipment. This is the most common type.

2. Cold-type chemical autoclaves are gentle on instruments that cannot endure heat, but the cold liquid must be vented off.

3. Gas-type chemical autoclaves sterilize with vapor. They do not involve humidity and are faster than cold chemical autoclaves since they heat up faster and require no drying time.

4. Ultraviolet autoclaves expose instruments to ultraviolet light, which kills microorganisms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop industrial autoclave manufacturers

The various types of autoclaves are not necessarily interchangeable across various industries. If you're looking for industrial autoclaves or large-scale equipment, go to the appropriate autoclave manufacturers.

I recommend: American Autoclave is a serious autoclave company that manufactures even very large units. Their customers include big names like Delta, US Air Force and NASA. WSF Industries, Inc. carries autoclaves and similar equipment for a variety of applications, like sterilization, composite bonding, dewaxing, hydrostatic testing and several others.

Shop autoclaves distributors for medical autoclaves and dental autoclaves

There are numerous medical autoclaves distributors for health industry. This means there are a lot of opportunities to do price comparisons. Just make sure to stick with quality companies. If the company you choose offers technical support, that's also a plus.

I recommend: SciCan manufactures super-fast sterilization models for the medical and dental fields, but also has a model specially designed for the tattoo industry, complete with its own tattoos. Narang Medical Limited supplies a range of pressure steam sterilizers, dressing drums, instrument sterilizers and other equipment.

Maintain and upgrade your autoclave

There are several options for servicing and caring for your autoclave. Set up a program for your equipment to keep it working properly and to maximize its lifespan. Some companies also sell autoclave upgrades, like controls and sensors.

I recommend: Alfa Medical caries all sorts of autoclave accessories, replacement parts, cleaners and maintenance kits, as well as autoclaves from a number of manufactures, including the Amsco autoclave. If you're ready to upgrade your autoclave, Prodigy offers software to help monitor and control your equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Autoclave sterilization destroys pathogens, like bacteria and fungus, as well as viruses. However, TSEs (a family of neurodegenerative disorders) are associated with infectious agents called prions, which autoclaves might not destroy.