Ohaus Lab Equipment Top 5 Questions to Ask

Centrifuges:

1- What is the highest RCF that you need to prepare your samples for your workflow?

OHAUS centrifuges have models can reach up to 18,000 rpm generating over 24,000 xg.

2- Which sample tube sizes do you use in your lab?

An extensive rotor and adapter selection can accommodate just about any lab setup with volume ranging from 0.2 – 250 mL.

3- Do your samples need to be kept cool during centrifugation?

The refrigerated centrifuge models can keep your samples cool even when running at the maximum speed.

4- Do you have to protect against aerosol discharge?

Aerosol tight sealable rotors are available in some of the most common sizes.

5- How many tubes do you want to run at once?

OHAUS offers a few different rotors that can handle high throughput applications at various RCF.

Dry Block Heaters:

1- Do you need to incubate small samples like microtubes, microplates, test tubes, or vials?

OHAUS Dry Block Heaters are an economical option to an incubator with little chance for sample contamination brought on by water baths

2- Are you looking for a specific temperature range?

OHAUS has models that can heat up to 150°C.

3- How important is reproducibility of your settings?

If it is important, you should recommend a digital block heater as opposed to an analog. Analog settings are not exact, digital settings are.

4- Do you need to calibrate your heater to a traceable temperature device?

OHAUS models can be calibrated to an external temperature device such as a thermometer, probe, or thermocouple.

5- Is the formation of condensation on your sample lids, caps, and covers causing a problem with your assays?

If it is, recommend the Block Heater with the Heated Lid.

Shakers:

1- What type of motion are you looking for?

Orbital, reciprocating, rocking, and waving motions are available.

2- Do you need a need a specific speed and orbit?

The larger the sample the larger the orbit and a slower speed is needed for a good mix. For smaller samples, it is the opposite; smaller orbit and faster speed for a good mix.

3- What size shaker do you need?

Rather than ask what size, if you ask what kind of samples, finding a shaker that can accommodate that quantity will be easy. The most common samples are either Erlenmeyer flasks or tubes. The OHAUS Equipment Catalog has a guide in the accessory section listing the number of tube racks or flask clamps each shaker can hold.

4- Do you need temperature control?

•Incubating options are available as well as Incubating/Cooling. Remember, incubating models can only begin to control temperature at ~5°C above whatever the ambient (room) temperature is, so if the customer needs a temperature close to ambient, select a model that can cool. Alternately, an open air shaker can be placed in a cold room or incubator.

5- How important is reproducibility of your settings?

If it is important, you should recommend a digital shaker as opposed to an analog. Analog settings are not exact, digital settings are.

Thermal Shakers:

1- Do you need to incubate and shake your samples at multiple temperatures and or speeds?

The OHAUS Thermal Shaker units are easily programmable for 5 separate 5-step programs and an unlimited number of programs if using the USB.

2- Do you need a simple means for capturing your data?

The OHAUS Thermal Shaker units have a USB. Downloading the data is as simple as inserting a flash drive into the port and selecting USB mode on the utilities menu. Your customer does not need special software. The data is uploaded to a .csv file, similar to an Excel spreadsheet.

3- Will multiple users be using the unit?

The USB also allows for saving programs to a USB. Each user can

have their programs on his or her flash drive.

4- Are you looking for an incubating shaker similar to the Eppendorf® Thermomixer® but at a lower cost?

The OHAUS Thermal Mixer and Cooling Thermal Mixer are more versatile and offer the same features and more at a lower cost. Both OHAUS models include a block for 1.5mL tubes and the Eppendorf® Thermomixer® R blocks are compatible on the OHAUS units.

5- Are you looking for a sophisticated but easy to use shaker with temperature control?

Programming and operating does not get any easier with touch screen control. On-board help topics, available on every screen, guide you through all of the functions without the need to consult a manual.

Vortex Mixers:

1- Do you need to vary the speed of your mix?

OHAUS has analog and digital models with variable speed control.

2- Do you need to run the vortexer in the ON mode for an extended period of time?

Most vortex mixers are designed for intermittent use. The OHAUS Microplate, Heavy-Duty and Multi-Tube Vortexers are designed to run at high speeds with their accessories.

3- Do you need to use an accessory or run multiple tubes at high speeds?

Most vortex mixers have speed limitations when using an accessory attachment. The OHAUS Microplate, Heavy-Duty and Multi-Tube Vortexers are designed to run at high speeds with their accessories.

4- Would you like to vortex 50 samples at a time?

OHAUS has analog and digital models that can handle that capacity.

5- Do you need to know the exact speed when vortexing?

Select a digital model. Analog models can only offer good estimation.

Hotplates, Stirrers & Hotplate-Stirrer:

1- What is the volume of your sample?

It is important to select a model that can handle the volume as it may not heat or stir properly if it is undersized.

2- Are you looking for a specific top plate material?

The OHAUS Mini Hotplate Stirrers are available with ceramic tops. Ceramic tops are ideal if working with chemicals as they are easy to clean and offer a reflective white surface.

3- Are safety features an important part of your decision process?

Cool touch, chemical resistant housing, ramping feature, and an off centered support rod holder are some of the safety features offered with the OHAUS models.

4- Do you need to boil water quickly and efficiently?

The OHAUS Hotplates and Hotplate Stirrers boil 300mL of water in 18 minutes which is ideal when time is critical.

5- Do I need to purchase a stir bar in addition to my Stirrer or Hotplate Stirrer?

The OHAUS stirring models include a 1.5” (3.8cm) PTFE coated stir bar.

LabJaws Clamps:

1- Are you looking for clamps that can be used in a clean room?

The OHAUS LabJaws stainless steel clamp line can be autoclaved.

2- Do you need to use clamps at high temperatures?

Utility clamps are supplied with vinyl and fiberglass sleeves / finger covers. The fiberglass covers are designed for applications above 100°C.

3- Are you performing titrations with Burets?

The OHAUS LabJaws clamp line has multiple options for holding Burets. Buret stands that include a double Buret clamp, support rod and base are available or can be ordered individually. Alternately, fixed position clamps with built-in holders can be used on a support stand.

4- Are your clamps corroding from exposure to caustic chemicals?

The OHAUS LabJaws line offers 20 of the most popular clamps in premium stainless steel which provide exceptional chemical resistance.

5- Are you struggling to hold a sample or device?

Ultra Flex System, with its unique flexible 12” (30.5mm) or 18” (45.7mm) arm, is extremely versatile and can be placed in virtually any position or angle. 3 different clamp heads offer a wide range of gripping capabilities.

LabJaws Frames:

1- Are you looking for a Lab-Frame to fit in a specific area?

OHAUS offers pre-configured kits in 5 sizes. Also, kits for the 4 most common size fume hoods are available.

2- Are you looking for a Lab-Frame set up but not finding one to fit your needs?

If the kits are not what you are looking for, we can aid you in selecting the right rod lengths, connectors and other components based on your specifications.

3- Do you need a specific length rod for your support stand?

OHAUS LabJaws support stands are offered in a variety of lengths so you can order the appropriate combination from the start. Additional rods in different lengths can also be purchased if needed.

4- What is the weight of your sample that you will be supporting or holding?

While we do not rate our clamps and supports by weight capacity, the OHAUS LabJaws line offers heavy-duty versions of support stands. Cast iron bases offer additional stability compared to the regular stainless steel support stands.

5- Do you need to hold small appliances at varying heights?

OHAUS offers several options. Lab-Lifts are designed to support (not raise) various loads based on size. Support Plates, available in various sizes, can be secured to a Lab-Frame or stand.