Let’s Dive into CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell, manufactured by Horizon Scientific, is a seemingly simple product designed for a very specific purpose: organizing and protecting samples in cryogenic storage. These 25-cell fiberboard dividers are intended to neatly segment cryo boxes, preventing tubes or racks from shifting during handling and ensuring sample integrity. The low price point makes it seem like an obvious purchase for anyone working in a lab, but let’s explore whether it actually delivers on its promise.
My journey to finding these dividers stemmed from a recurring problem in our lab: disorganized cryo boxes. Our valuable research samples were constantly getting mixed up, leading to wasted time and potential errors in our experiments. I was looking for an inexpensive and reliable solution to compartmentalize our storage and eliminate the chaos.
Upon receiving the CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell, my initial impression was…underwhelming. The fiberboard felt a bit flimsy, and the overall construction seemed basic. However, I reminded myself that its purpose was simple, and that durability might not be the primary concern here.
We considered using cardboard dividers we could fabricate ourselves, or potentially 3D-printed plastic inserts. The time investment for a DIY solution was significant, and the cost of printing enough plastic dividers would have been much higher than the CryoPro option. Ultimately, we chose these for their affordability and apparent ease of use.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I hoped the dividers would provide the organization we needed without being too fragile for routine handling. They were cheap, and if they did the job, that was all that mattered.
Real-World Testing: Putting CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell to the Test
First Use Experience
We tested the CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell in our standard cryogenic storage environment, which involves temperatures of -80°C in freezers and -196°C in liquid nitrogen. I used them to organize 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes containing cell cultures and DNA samples. The dividers were placed inside standard 5.25-inch cryo storage boxes.
The fiberboard held up surprisingly well to the cold, showing no immediate signs of warping or degradation after the initial freeze. Installation was simple – they slid easily into the boxes, creating 25 individual cells. I did find that loading tubes into the cells was slightly tedious, especially when wearing bulky cryogenic gloves.
The immediate benefit was a significantly tidier freezer. For the first time in months, I could quickly locate specific sample tubes without rummaging through a jumbled mess. There were no major issues initially; I just noted the slight inconvenience of loading the tubes and a concern about the long-term durability of the fiberboard.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell showed some signs of wear, especially in the boxes that were accessed most frequently. The corners of the fiberboard started to fray slightly, and the dividers occasionally bowed a little under the weight of the tubes. However, they continued to serve their primary purpose of keeping the tubes organized.
One significant drawback emerged after a month: moisture absorption. Despite being stored in a low-humidity environment, the fiberboard gradually absorbed moisture from the repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This led to some dividers becoming slightly soft and losing their structural integrity.
Compared to previous attempts at organization using makeshift cardboard dividers, the CryoPro offering was a step up in terms of initial organization. However, the issue of moisture absorption and gradual degradation meant that these dividers were not a long-term solution. These didn’t outperform expectations significantly and may need to be replaced more often than preferred.
Breaking Down the Features of CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell
Specifications
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell are designed to create a 5×5 grid within a standard cryo storage box. The material is fiberboard, and each divider provides 25 individual cells. The dimensions are 12.7 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm (5 x 5 x 1 in.).
The 25-cell configuration is suitable for organizing standard 1.5ml or 2.0ml microcentrifuge tubes or similarly sized vials. The fiberboard construction provides a lightweight and inexpensive partitioning solution. The dimensions ensure compatibility with most standard cryo storage boxes commonly used in laboratories.
Performance & Functionality
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell performs its primary function of organizing tubes within a cryo box reasonably well, but with limitations. The dividers effectively prevent tubes from shifting and mixing, making sample retrieval easier.
The biggest weakness is the material. Fiberboard is susceptible to moisture absorption, which compromises its structural integrity over time. The dividers meet the basic expectations for organization, but their long-term durability is questionable.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use. The dividers slide easily into standard cryo boxes, requiring no special tools or assembly. The lightweight fiberboard makes the boxes easy to handle, even when fully loaded with samples.
The design lacks any advanced ergonomic considerations. The simple grid design prioritizes function over form. There isn’t much of a learning curve to use them, since inserting them is self explanatory.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the fiberboard is the biggest concern. The dividers are prone to fraying, bending, and moisture absorption, limiting their lifespan. They aren’t designed for heavy use or harsh handling.
Maintenance is minimal. It is suggested to simply replace them when they degrade. The low cost of these means repair is not economical.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell don’t come with any accessories. Customization is limited to trimming the dividers with a hot knife to fit non-standard box sizes, as suggested by the Horizon Scientific.
There are no compatible accessories from other brands specifically designed for these dividers. However, they can be used with any standard cryo storage box of the appropriate size. It’s important to remember that the fit will vary slightly depending on the exact internal dimensions of the box.
Pros and Cons of CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell
Pros
- Inexpensive solution: The low cost makes it an accessible option for labs with limited budgets.
- Effective organization: Keeps tubes separated and prevents mixing, facilitating easy sample retrieval.
- Easy to use: Simple design allows for quick installation and use.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add significant weight to the storage boxes.
- Compatible with standard cryo boxes: Fits most commonly used cryo storage boxes.
Cons
- Low durability: Fiberboard is prone to fraying, bending, and moisture absorption.
- Limited lifespan: Needs to be replaced regularly due to degradation.
- Tedious loading: Loading tubes into the individual cells can be time-consuming, especially with gloves.
Who Should Buy CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell?
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell are perfect for small to medium-sized laboratories on a tight budget that need a basic, short-term solution for organizing cryo samples. They are suitable for researchers who handle cryo boxes infrequently and prioritize cost over long-term durability.
Researchers who require a robust, long-lasting organization system or those who frequently access and handle cryo boxes should skip this product. Alternatives like plastic or metal dividers offer superior durability and resistance to moisture, albeit at a higher cost. A must-have modification would be using a desiccant inside the box.
Conclusion on CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell
The CryoPro Storage Boxes and Dividers 04A3-25 Fiberboard Dividers 25-Cell offer a basic but functional solution for organizing cryo samples. While the low price point makes them an attractive option, the limited durability of the fiberboard is a significant drawback.
The value proposition is questionable. The low initial cost is offset by the need for frequent replacements. Ultimately, whether these dividers are worth buying depends on your specific needs and budget.
I would cautiously recommend these dividers to labs that need a temporary organization solution and are willing to accept their limitations. However, I would strongly advise considering more durable alternatives for long-term storage and frequent handling. Don’t expect them to last a lifetime, but if you need organization on the cheap, these might just do the trick.