Glassware is the part of the lab that touches almost every sample, yet it is often bought by habit. The material, the graduation class and the shape all affect whether a result is reproducible. This guide covers the glassware families most Singapore labs order, and the details worth checking before you specify a brand.
Borosilicate 3.3 has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which makes it resistant to the temperature swings of autoclaving, hot plates and cold rooms. It also resists most aqueous reagents and common solvents. Soda-lime glass is cheaper but is a poor choice for repeated heating or thermal shock.
| Family | Typical use | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Beakers | Mixing, dissolving, heating | Wall thickness, graduation, handle, spout |
| Erlenmeyer flasks | Culture, titration, mixing | Narrow neck, graduation, flat bottom |
| Volumetric flasks | Standard solutions | Class A tolerance, calibration mark, stopper |
| Graduated cylinders | Measuring volumes | Graduation interval, base stability, spout |
| Reagent bottles | Storage | GL45 thread, amber or clear, drip-free pour ring |
| Petri dishes | Microbiology | Ventilation, diameter, sterility option |
Class A volumetric glassware carries tighter tolerance and is the usual choice for analytical standards and QC. Class B is acceptable for general preparation where the tolerance is fit for purpose. Do not assume that a printed graduation is Class A — check the marking and the certificate.
Borosilicate 3.3 tolerates typical autoclave cycles, but thermal shock still cracks glass. Do not move a hot beaker onto a cold bench, do not add cold liquid to hot glass, and allow glassware to cool before washing. Check for star cracks before every heating step.
We supply borosilicate 3.3 beakers, flasks, cylinders and reagent bottles from stock and regional warehouses. For a mixed order, send the sizes and quantities and we will consolidate the shipment. If you need a specific graduation class or an amber option, state it explicitly in the enquiry.
Yes, it is the standard choice for autoclavable laboratory glassware. Avoid thermal shock and inspect for cracks before each cycle.
Class A has tighter volumetric tolerance and is preferred for analytical standards. Class B is suitable for general preparation where its tolerance is acceptable.
It is better to dedicate glassware to trace work. Shared washing and detergent residues can contaminate low-level measurements.
Yes, amber and clear borosilicate reagent bottles are available. Confirm the volume, GL thread and whether a pour ring is required.
Store clean, dry glassware inverted in a dust-free cabinet. Avoid stacking beakers inside each other, which can scratch or crack the walls.
Tell us the sizes, quantities and sterility requirements. We reply within 2 hours on business days.
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