The quality and reliability of your lab supplies can make all the difference in achieving groundbreaking discoveries or facing frustrating setbacks.
And as the scientific landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the task of selecting the right laboratory equipment suppliers has become more important than ever.
If you’re shopping for important laboratory equipment supplies like lab safety equipment, laboratory workstations and other common tools and equipment found in these workspaces, it’s essential to choose experienced laboratory supplies companies that will provide you with high-quality pieces on your timeline.
Choose laboratory equipment suppliers that offer:
- Experience in your type of lab
- The materials that meet your lab’s needs
- Both basic and specialized products
- Health-friendly equipment for your workers
- Availability and timeline delivery
Experience In Your Type Of Lab
Laboratories are specialized in conducting research, analysis and experimentation. Yet they are found
across a wide spectrum of fields, each serving a different purpose.
It’s important to choose a laboratory equipment supplier that is experienced in your type of lab, whether it’s research, clinical, analytical, biosafety, environmental, quality control, forensic, teaching, dental, technology, life science, engineering, molecular biology or another type of laboratory.
Each company also has its own set of challenges and needs that must be addressed with the type of laboratory equipment you are buying. For example, high school laboratories may have different cleanliness requirements than highly specialized laboratories, such as a pharmaceutical lab or research lab.
If you operate in a type of lab that has electrostatic discharge (ESD) concerns that can impact the quality of your results, you’ll need an equipment supplier that offers products that can protect your workspace, such as an ESD workbench or ESD chair.
The Materials That Meet Your Lab’s Needs
When designing different pieces of equipment, you’ll be faced with some important decisions, from the overall look of the piece to how it functions.
For example, laboratory supplies come in a variety of materials, including glassware, plasticware, metals, rubber, silicone and polymer. If you regular have conditions that include high heat and chemical reactions, glass beakers, flasks, test tubes and pipettes may be the better choice. If you’re looking for supplies that offer airtight seals, rubber and silicone may be the more appropriate choice.
Another example is if you’re purchasing laboratory workstations, you’ll have to choose the materials for the base and for the countertop. Common materials used in the design of a base and industrial workbench legs are steel, aluminum, cast iron, wood and composite materials. In a lab, steel legs (which can include various grades like carbon steel or stainless steel) provide strength and durability, and can withstand heavy loads from equipment like centrifuges, autoclaves, incubators, refrigerators, scales and microscopes.
On top of these workstations, you will need to choose laboratory work surfaces. A quality laboratory equipment supplier will not view your lab with a one-size-fits-all approach by only offering a few countertop materials. In fact, which table top surface you choose can be one of the most important decisions you make when selecting lab equipment.
That’s because your countertop must be able to withstand the harsh conditions present in your lab. Materials like phenolic resin and epoxy resin can offer excellent protection against bacteria and chemicals, while solid surface countertops are non-porous, making them a great choice for labs where high moisture and water exist.
For more information on common lab countertops, our article, Top 5 Materials To Consider For Your Lab Countertops, breaks down some of your options.
Both Basic And Specialized Products
In today’s laboratory, it’s common for research and experimentation to require a combination of basic
laboratory equipment for routine tasks and specialized instruments for advanced research.
Choosing a supplier or distributor that offers both allows you to streamline your purchasing by relying on one trusted source for most or all of your laboratory needs. This saves time, reduces administrative tasks and facilitates smoother logistics.
For example, if you’re looking for lab safety equipment, it can be helpful to work with a supplier that offers most of the supplies you need, from eye washing stations and showers to specialized fire extinguishers and laboratory cabinets that hold potentially dangerous substances.
Health-Friendly Equipment For Your Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that sprains, strains and tears collectively are the leading type of injury in manufacturing. Lab workers who regularly sit at workstations can be prone to ergonomic injuries as well. These injuries can impact efficiency and overall productivity in your lab.
When employees continuously bend, twist and turn, they are more prone to injuries. Ergonomically-designed furniture, from a workstation to the chair the employee sits in, focuses on keeping the body in its natural position.
Some of the laboratory equipment you purchase can have a significant impact on preventing injuries like these from happening. For example, adjustable height workbenches allow workers to choose whether they want to sit down or stand up at the bench simply by using a manual, hand crank or electric control.
Industrial chairs that are ergonomically supportive will feature sturdy frames, adjustable heights, and comfortable backrests and seats.
You can also work with suppliers to choose workstations that place drawers and utility features in a way where employees do not have to extend in an unnatural position to reach them.
In addition to workbenches and chairs, other types of lab equipment that take into consideration employee health include:
- Electronic balances with large displays, which minimize the need for constant bending or squinting to read measurements
- Pipettes with ergonomic designs, which feature lightweight construction, comfortable grip handles and smooth operation
- Microscopes with ergonomic viewing angles, which allow users to maintain a comfortable posture during prolonged observation sessions
- Laboratory storage systems with pull-out shelves, which eliminate the need to bend or stretch excessively
- Laboratory autoclaves with easy-open doors, which minimize the physical effort required to open and close them, reducing the strain on hands and wrists
- Adjustable-tilt laboratory stirrers and hot plates, which allow users to position the equipment at a level for easy viewing and access to samples
Availability And Timeline Delivery
A reliable supplier should have an effective inventory management system in place, ensuring that popular and essential items are consistently stocked. They should be able to provide accurate information about product availability, lead times and any potential delays, including for customized pieces.
Shipping and reliable delivery are key factors when selecting a laboratory equipment supplier. Evaluate the supplier’s shipping capabilities, including the shipping methods they offer, their partnerships with reliable logistics providers, and their track record in delivering products undamaged and on time.
Consider factors such as the supplier’s proximity to your location, their ability to handle international shipments if needed, and any additional costs associated with shipping. When a product is shipped to a different state or across the country, common carriers are often used. If your order isn’t large enough to fill the entire truck, the trucking company will pick up products from other companies to make the trip financially feasible.
It is important to ask the manufacturer how it packages the equipment you have ordered so that each piece is protected on that truck.
Timely service is not limited to equipment delivery alone. How quickly and to what level a laboratory equipment supplier responds to inquiries, technical support availability and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise are important as well.
Choosing a laboratory equipment supplier that prioritizes customer service and timeline delivery will help to ensure that you receive the equipment when you need it … minimizing disruptions to your laboratory workflow and enabling you to meet project deadlines.
