Why invest in quality laboratory equipment?
In a laboratory, precision is essential. Using suitable laboratory equipment ensures:
- Reproducible and reliable analysis results.
- Better security for technicians and researchers.
- Compliance with ISO standards and current regulations.
- A longer lifespan for your equipment.
By opting for robust and well-calibrated devices, you protect your research projects and improve the productivity of your teams.
The main families of laboratory equipment
Analysis and measuring instruments
The category of analyzers is vast: spectrophotometers , chromatographs , pH meters , microscopes ... These tools allow you to precisely measure the physical, chemical or biological properties of a sample. Each instrument must be selected according to your analytical methods and your sample types.
Preparation and handling equipment
These are materials such as pipettes , magnetic stirrers , precision balances and centrifuges . Their role is to facilitate the preparation of samples before analysis.
Storage and preservation equipment
Freezers, refrigerators and ovens are an integral part of laboratory equipment . They ensure the preservation of samples, reagents and solutions in optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
How to choose the right laboratory equipment?
To make your project a success, ask yourself the right questions:
- What type of analyses will I perform?
- What sample volumes do I need to process?
- What equipment is compatible with my precision and safety requirements?
- What is my overall budget, including maintenance and consumables?
For example, for secure storage needs, also consider specialized laboratory furniture : safety cabinets, chemical hoods, sturdy benches, etc.
The essential technical criteria
Standards and certifications
Make sure your equipment complies with current standards, including ISO, CE, or Cofrac, depending on the sector concerned. This is particularly important for medical or pharmaceutical analysis laboratories.
Reliability and repeatability
Good laboratory equipment must offer high repeatability of measurements, without constant recalibration, to limit experimental errors and wasted time.
Ease of maintenance
Choose devices that are easy to maintain, with after-sales service available and spare parts that are easy to order.
Essential equipment for an efficient laboratory
- An optical or electronic microscope depending on your observation needs.
- Precise weighing instruments (precision scales, microbalances).
- A suitable filtration system (membrane filters, laminar flow hoods).
- Temperature control devices (ovens, thermostatic baths, laboratory freezers).
- A complete set of laboratory glassware : beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes.
- Stirrers to homogenize your samples (magnetic, vortex, mechanical).
How to buy student lab equipment?
Purchasing laboratory equipment for students presents specific requirements. The goal is to provide suitable, durable, and affordable teaching materials without compromising the precision required for practical work. The equipment must be robust enough to withstand intensive use while still being easy to use to promote learning.
Among the must-sees:
- Simple and reliable mechanical pipettes to introduce dosing techniques.
- Basic optical microscopes for observing plant cells, animal tissues or microorganisms.
- Entry-level precision scales, calibrated for teaching.
- A glassware kit including beakers, volumetric flasks, measuring cylinders and graduated burettes.
When it comes to purchasing student lab equipment , look for teaching-specific ranges, sometimes refurbished, to get the best value for money while ensuring safety and reliability.
Where to buy laboratory equipment?
Choosing the right supplier is as important as choosing the equipment itself. When purchasing laboratory equipment , you have several options:
- Specialist retailers like Rewake , experts in high-quality refurbished equipment.
- Manufacturers of scientific instruments who sometimes offer direct sales.
- Auctions and public sales for used professional equipment.
Choosing a refurbished specialist like Rewake provides access to high-end, tested, and guaranteed equipment at a discounted price. It's an excellent compromise between performance and budget, particularly for startups, university labs, or pilot projects.
How much does it cost to equip a laboratory?
The price of equipping a laboratory varies enormously depending on several factors:
- The type of laboratory (analytical, biomedical, chemical, food industry, etc.)
- The level of precision required (teaching, basic research, industry).
- The volume of samples and the number of simultaneous operators.
For information:
- A basic educational laboratory can be equipped from €5,000 to €10,000.
- An advanced research laboratory often requires an investment of €50,000 to over €200,000.
The main expenditure items concern:
-
Analytical instruments (spectrophotometer, chromatograph, microscopes, etc.)
- Preparation equipment (scales, centrifuges, agitators).
- Laboratory furniture (benches, hoods, safety cabinets).
- Recurring consumables (glassware, pipettes, reagents).
Reducing your budget is possible by selecting reconditioned equipment, prioritizing essentials, and gradually equipping yourself according to changing needs.
How to equip yourself well and optimize your purchases?
Choosing the right laboratory equipment is a key factor in the success of any scientific endeavor. Whether setting up a student lab, launching a new research center, or equipping a pharmaceutical production facility, every decision counts.
To maximize your investment:
- Establish precise specifications.
- Prioritize quality and safety over the long term.
- Choose reliable and recognized partners, like Rewake, which offers a wide range of reconditioned, high-performance and economically accessible laboratory equipment and furniture.
With a smart purchasing strategy, you can ensure the success of your scientific projects while controlling your costs. Consider regular maintenance of your equipment to extend its lifespan and maximize its profitability.
