Used Lab Equipment for Sale — 1,425

What is laboratory technology and what machines does it use?

Laboratories are used to examine chemical, physical, biological, medical and technical objects, and their interactions. They are also used to undertake production processes in controlled environments. Laboratory technology, like apparatuses, machines, devices, tools and materials, require a high level of quality and cleanliness. The type of technology used depends on the ultimate goal of the laboratory. The equipment used in chemical and biological laboratories is commonly made out of glass because it is inert, heat resistant and easy to clean. Additionally, chemical and physical processes are easily observed when undertaken behind glass. The disadvantage of using hard glass material for chemical processes is that it is very brittle.

Special requirements for the measuring technology used in laboratories

Accuracy is of great importance and can only be ensured when using particularly precise and sensitive measuring equipment. This provides defined and constant environmental conditions. Humidity can, for example, influence weights of around a microgram. Thermal expansion and other influences on the measuring equipment itself need to be prevented. A suitable exhaust system is required when working with materials that potentially create toxic gases or steam. The extracted air then also needs to be cleaned using an additional system. Therefore, laboratory technology also includes ventilation and air conditioning equipment. This equipment aids work processes that are easily affected by contaminated air, for example, when manufacturing semiconductors or solid state physics. Containers and apparatuses also need to be particularly clean and laboratories often use ultrasonic baths to clean these materials. Even though the situation is different in a physics laboratory, it is still important that highly accurate measuring equipment is used in controlled environments.

Where is laboratory technology used?

It is applied for research, teaching and production. Simple chemical and physics laboratories can be found in schools. The amount of photography laboratories has decreased in recent times, but despite the development of digital photography, they are still commonly used. High quality prints can be produced from digital photos if printed on real photographic paper. There is an advantage to using chemical photographic materials in artistic and school settings. The technology required for photography mainly consists of components that are specially designed for this purpose. However, there are also overlaps with general chemical laboratory technology: the tools used to produce the ready-made solutions for photographic chemicals; and the accurate thermometer, suited for chemicals, with a resolution of at least a half of a degree. In universities and high schools, laboratories are required for both teaching and for research. This is determined by the quality of the technology, as well as other standards. The medical industry uses a laboratory for research, diagnoses and for production (e.g. dental veneers or dentures). Laboratory technology is used in industry and in the commercial setting for specific production processes and research. For example, the operation of a precise CNC jig boring machine demands highly precise measuring equipment, and it has high standards for the conditions of its surroundings.

Who produces laboratory technology?

Some of the companies that produce and supply machines and accessories for various types of laboratory include BRIMON, BÜCHI, DUNN, HERMLE, HÄBERLE, IKA, JULABO, KABE, KLEINFELD, MAYTEC, SÜSSE, WINDAUS and WITEG.