Laboratory ovens or laboratory furnaces are available in different configurations depending on the application requirements and space constraints.

A batch lab oven is suitable for batch wise heat treatment of the products, whereas a continuous lab oven is useful for continuous heat treatment of the products. For the heat treatment of similar products in large quantity, use a walk-in or truck-in oven. For de-humidification or sterilization purposes, a lab-drying oven is the most appropriate. For indirect heating of your product, use a tube or muffle oven. Lastly, if space is a constraint, use a vertically configured oven.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a laboratory oven are:

1. Operating temperature range for the lab oven
2. Space capacity of the lab oven
3. Chemical composition of the oven environment, operating pressure ranges and nature of draft of the gas/air
4. Material and dimensions of the components

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

Retrofit or refurbish your existing lab oven to match new requirements

If you have an existing lab oven and you want to improve its capacity and heating capability, then refurbishing is a cost effective solution.

I recommend: Epcon Industrial Systems provides retrofitting services for all parts of a laboratory furnace such as burners, controllers and insulation equipments. Associated Environmental Systems is another refurbishing service-provider for various heat-treating chambers such as lab ovens and furnaces.

Buy used lab ovens

As a laboratory oven is an expensive investment, check for used lab ovens to get a cost-effective solution. Ensure the quality and warranty of the lab oven before you buy it.

I recommend: CascadeTek, a lab furnace manufacturer, offers used vacuum and forced air ovens. You can contact The Lab Depot, Inc., to buy pre-owned lab equipments including lab ovens. You can further buy a used lab oven at an attractive price at SciQuip.

Buy a new lab oven from reputable laboratory oven providers

After understanding your requirements and application, start searching for different lab ovens available in the market. Buy a standard laboratory oven that matches your requirement.

I recommend: Despatch Industries is a reputable manufacturer of heat-treating equipments such as lab ovens, pit furnaces and box furnaces. SP Industries, Inc. offers lab-drying ovens for glassware applications under the brand ‘Hotpack’. Pyradia manufactures various standard and customized laboratory ovens using high-tech design techniques such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD and E-Drawings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the environmental regulations in your state before you buy a lab oven.
• •  Select appropriate accessories such as controls, gloves and indicator lights before you buy a lab oven.