A cuvette is a precision optical component, not just a small container. The material sets the usable wavelength range, the path length sets the calculation, and the surface quality sets the blank. This guide explains how to choose a cuvette for UV-Vis work in Singapore and which details to confirm before you buy a case.
| Material | Typical range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz (UV-grade) | ~190–2500 nm | UV measurements, nucleic acids, proteins |
| Glass | ~340–2500 nm | Visible-range work |
| PMMA (acrylic) | ~300–900 nm | Routine visible assays, disposable use |
| Polystyrene (PS) | ~340–900 nm | Visible assays, colorimetric kits |
Ranges vary by grade and manufacturer. If your assay reads below 340 nm, specify UV-grade quartz rather than assuming that any “quartz” cuvette is suitable.
The standard path length is 10 mm, which matches most spectrophotometer holders and the Beer–Lambert calculation. Macro cuvettes typically hold 3–4.5 mL; semi-micro cuvettes hold around 1.5 mL and are useful when sample volume is limited. Match the cuvette to the holder — a semi-micro cuvette in a macro holder can sit off-centre and give a poor blank.
Disposable plastic cuvettes remove cleaning and carry-over risk, which is valuable for kits and high-throughput work. Reusable quartz or glass cuvettes are better for UV work and for solvents that attack plastics. If you use reusable cuvettes, pair them as a matched set and keep a blank reference.
We supply ACESUN plastic cuvettes in 10 mm path length, including 1.5 mL semi-micro and 4.5 mL macro formats, plus custom path lengths on request. Tell us the instrument model, wavelength range and sample volume; we will confirm the format and packaging.
Use UV-grade quartz for readings at 260 nm. Ordinary glass and most plastics absorb in the UV region and will distort the result.
10 mm is the standard path length for most UV-Vis instruments. Confirm the holder format before ordering semi-micro or micro cuvettes.
Usually not below 300–340 nm. Use quartz for UV work; plastic is better suited to visible-range assays.
A typical 10 mm semi-micro cuvette holds around 1.5 mL. Fill enough to cover the optical window without introducing bubbles.
Matched pairs are available on request. For critical work, specify matching tolerance and we will confirm the options.
Tell us the sizes, quantities and sterility requirements. We reply within 2 hours on business days.
info@jwresearch.cn