Laboratory glassware is an integral part of any scientific investigation, education or industry as it provides all the means necessary for performing experiments in a lot more correct and exact ways. In the majority of laboratories, Laboratory glassware is considered to be an integral part of the equipment whether in chemistry or in biology. This blog will take you through everything you need to know about laboratory glassware—what it is, the types available, how it is manufactured, the essential glassware you’ll find in most laboratories, and the reliable and trustworthy laboratory glassware manufacturer in India.
What is Laboratory Glassware?
Laboratory glassware denotes different apparatuses made of glass for conducting scientific experiments and research or teaching purposes. People opt for glass as a material due to its unique characteristics – it is clear, more or less chemically resistant, easy to clean, and may endure high temperatures. Accuracy in the measurement, mixing, heating, and storage of chemicals is made possible with the help of laboratory glassware.
The characteristics of chemical glassware include high performance in chemical durability and resistance to wear and tear. Thus borosilicate glass is used the most, as this type of glass can be thermally shocked.
Importance Of Laboratory Glassware
The laboratory glassware heightened the reliability, accuracy, and safety of the research work performed in any of the laboratories. As indicated in studies published in the Royal Society Of Chemistry, borosilicate glassware has high accuracy as it provides exact quantities of liquids, is chemically resistant, and therefore guarantees consistent results. Other studies published in the Journal of Chemical Education demonstrate the way sound and clean glassware prevents pollution thereby improving experiments in chemistry and biology. Because of such invisibility and presence, the utility of such construction materials aids research and education through practical learning of experiments.
Process Of Manufacturing Laboratory Glassware
The laboratory glassware manufacturing process is detailed and complex since there are many divisions that ensure quality, strength, and safety of the end product. In case of glassware mostly used in laboratories, features of borosilicate glass are the major ones as they mainly consist of silica, boron trioxide and other few ingredients to improve its thermal and chemical resistance.
Step 1: Glass Melting
The first step in manufacturing is melting of the raw materials-sand (silica), soda ash, limestone, and boron at very high temperatures (1700C approx) together. Result that comes from this process is a molten mixture of glass.
Step 2: Forming glassware
After Molten, glass is casted into various forms- parts or whole pieces of laboratory glassware using below methods:
Blowing: Molds are inflated with air for flasks, test tubes, and pipettes.
Pressing: The furnaces are superheated and flat bottom items like beakers and petri dishes are made by pressing molten glass into molds.
Step 3: Annealing
After the forming process is done, the glass is subjected to slow cooling in an annealing oven in order to remove the internal concerns. This phase is important to guarantee the resistance and reliability of the glass.
Step 4: Finishing
After cooling, the laboratory glassware is ready to be subjected to finishing processes including, but not limited to, cutting, polishing and coating (if required). For instance, some laboratory glassware is likely to be sandblasted with volumetric gradation markings.
Step 5: Quality Control
The last operation is probably the most nerve-racking for all employees in the workshops, namely quality control operations, and each unit of glassware is checked for possible defects, including cracks or rough edges, or any other defects that might impair its appeal and usability.
Essential Laboratory Glassware
For every laboratory set up, there are basic types of laboratory glassware that are used on a day to day basis by all scientists, researchers or students. Let’s take a closer look at some must-have laboratory glassware in any laboratory:
Beakers
Beakers are the most widely used laboratory glassware in any laboratory. The beakers are rather thick cylindrical vessels, used chiefly for mixing and heating. Their sizes vary and use is seen in almost all types of laboratories.
Flasks (Erlenmeyer, Volumetric, and Florence)
Flasks are indispensable when there’s a need to prepare solutions using different kinds of reagents, since these vessels tend to minimize the chances of spillage. Erlenmeyer flasks are especially effective in titration and culture vessels while volumetric flasks are suitable in the modification of volumes.
Test Tubes
Test tubes are an integral part of chemical reactions, biological tests, and small cat heating activities. Their design is relatively simplistic and easy to handle, keep and launder.
Graduated Cylinders
A Graduated Cylinder is used to measure the amount of liquids and it requires accurate measurements. They come in different sizes and it is used where an accurate measurement of the liquid is needed more than what the beaker can offer.
Burettes
Burettes are a must-have in titrations since this process involves measuring the exact volume of liquid necessary for determining the concentration of a particular solution. They allow for the measured dispensing of liquids.
Pipette
For laboratories working with small volumes of liquids, the use of pipettes is of great importance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements, which is of significance in both biological and chemical studies.
Other Considerations When Using Laboratory Glassware
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning of laboratory glassware is crucial to ensure that the glassware remains accurate throughout its use and that its life span is optimally longest. Laboratory detergents must be used in order to prevent contaminants from coming into contact with the laboratory glassware. It is necessary to deepen the purification after treatment by laboratory detergents and do this with deionizer water so that there are no solvents that would hinder the experiments.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important things that have to be followed when working with glassware. Laboratory glassware is bound to shatter when not used properly especially when there is abrupt change in temperature or impact. Always, glassware should be handled and also checked for any existing cracks, chippings or cuts before using.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer
When it comes to choosing laboratory glassware for the laboratory, the cost and the quality reproducibility are major factors. Seeking a reputable source of supply makes it possible to obtain glassware that is long-lasting and resistant to chemicals and that is also very precise. As the leading laboratory glassware manufacturer in India, Eduscope India is known for delivering high-quality laboratory glassware that meets international standards.
Conclusion
Laboratory glassware forms an important component in science research as it offers utility and accuracy. In any aspect of an experiment, be it as a researcher, teacher or student, knowledge of the various types, how Laboratory glassware is made and how it is maintained is an asset. The durability, precision and trustworthiness of the Laboratory glassware manufacturers must always be evaluated when going for purchase of Laboratory glassware for your laboratory. Eduscope India is one of the best options for high-quality laboratory glassware used in your research instruments.
