Let’s Dive into Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000 are designed for laboratories and research environments needing reliable, disposable tube closures. Manufactured by Kimble/Kontes, these caps offer a unique hinged blowout service, wadded top, and snap-on design to prevent blow-back during centrifugation or storage. The fact that they are autoclavable is another huge plus.
My work in developing advanced biological assays required a consistent and safe way to seal centrifuge tubes. I needed something disposable to avoid cross-contamination, but also robust enough to handle the pressure changes during high-speed runs. Standard caps simply weren’t cutting it; they leaked or even blew off entirely during testing.
Upon receiving the case of 1000 Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, my initial thought was their simple, yet functional design. The polypropylene felt durable, and the snap-on design seemed secure enough to resist the forces experienced during a centrifuge cycle. Their octagonal shape also felt stable, promising to prevent tubes from rolling.
Compared to standard polyethylene caps and even reusable silicone stoppers, the KIM-KAP system offered a superior combination of disposability, blowout protection, and ease of use. Standard caps often lacked a secure fit, leading to spills and compromised samples. Silicone stoppers required tedious cleaning and sterilization procedures, eating up valuable lab time. I chose the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps for their promise of reliable performance and time savings.
I was cautiously optimistic. The description highlighted impressive features, but I needed to see them in action to be fully convinced. These needed to be robust to handle demanding lab requirements.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps in our microbiology lab during a series of experiments involving high-speed centrifugation of bacterial cultures. The centrifuge was running at 5,000 RPM for 15 minutes at a time. They were tested with saline solution, bacterial growth media, and even a viscous glycerol stock.
The KIM-KAP caps performed remarkably well under pressure. The hinged blowout design demonstrated its effectiveness by containing small blowouts of liquid from the tube, preventing any contamination. This worked even with the viscous glycerol stocks.
The caps were easy to snap onto the centrifuge tubes, and the octagonal shape made them stable in the centrifuge rotor. No special tools were required to use these, making them easy to train new lab personnel on. No learning curve was needed.
The most pleasant surprise was the complete absence of leaks or cap failures during the initial tests. This was a significant improvement over previous caps we used. The initial testing was a great success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps have proven to be incredibly reliable. We have used hundreds of these caps in many experiments and they all performed as expected. I’ve noticed no degradation in their performance, even after being autoclaved multiple times.
The polypropylene material shows no signs of cracking or weakening, even after repeated autoclaving cycles. The cap’s snap-on design remains secure, providing a reliable seal for our centrifuge tubes. These have really held up well after repeated use.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; being disposable, they are discarded after each use, eliminating the need for cleaning or sterilization. Compared to the reusable silicone stoppers, the time savings are substantial. This also mitigates risk of cross-contamination of samples. I can confidently say the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps have exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and convenience.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000
Specifications
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000 are designed for tubes with an outer diameter (O.D.) of 16 mm. The Kimble part number is 73660-16. The caps are constructed from polypropylene, making them autoclavable and chemically resistant.
- The key feature is the hinged blowout service, providing three times the filling capacity of standard caps and minimizing blow-back.
- The wadded top further enhances blowout protection, and the snap-on design ensures easy application and removal.
These specifications are crucial for laboratory applications where sample integrity and safety are paramount. The 16 mm O.D. ensures a proper fit on standard centrifuge tubes, while the polypropylene construction guarantees compatibility with a wide range of chemicals. The blowout protection feature is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring accurate experimental results.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps perform their primary function—sealing centrifuge tubes—exceptionally well. The hinged blowout design is a game-changer, effectively containing minor spills and preventing aerosolization of potentially hazardous materials. The snap-on design provides a secure seal that withstands high-speed centrifugation.
The strength of these caps lies in their reliable blowout protection and ease of use. One area for potential improvement could be color-coding options for quick sample identification. Overall, the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps meet and exceed expectations for laboratory tube closures.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps is simple yet effective. The polypropylene construction is lightweight yet durable, and the octagonal shape prevents tubes from rolling. The caps fit comfortably in hand and are easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands.
The snap-on design requires minimal effort to apply and remove, and the hinged blowout service is unobtrusive and does not interfere with normal handling. The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps are very user-friendly, with minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The polypropylene material is known for its excellent chemical resistance and durability, ensuring that the Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps will last through numerous autoclaving cycles and exposure to various chemicals. Being disposable, maintenance is not a concern. The absence of moving parts minimizes the risk of failure, further enhancing their longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps do not come with any additional accessories beyond the case of 1000 caps. There are no apparent customization options available for these caps. These are designed to work with standard 16mm OD centrifuge tubes.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000
Pros
- Reliable Blowout Protection: Hinged design effectively contains spills and prevents aerosolization.
- Easy to Use: Snap-on design allows for quick and secure application and removal.
- Autoclavable: Polypropylene construction withstands repeated autoclaving cycles.
- Chemically Resistant: Compatible with a wide range of laboratory chemicals.
- Disposable: Eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Cons
- Lack of Color-Coding: No options for color-coding samples for easy identification.
- Limited Customization: No customization options available.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000?
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps are perfect for researchers, lab technicians, and anyone working with centrifuge tubes in a laboratory setting. These are especially useful for microbiology, cell culture, and other applications where sample integrity and safety are critical. Labs that need to perform high-speed centrifugations will find these invaluable.
Individuals or labs that only require occasional tube closures or are not concerned about blowout protection may find standard polyethylene caps sufficient. Must-have modifications are not needed as these are ready to use right out of the box.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000
The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps, Disposable, Polypropylene 73660 16 Natural, Case of 1000 are a valuable investment for any laboratory seeking reliable and convenient tube closures. The price of $139.99 for a case of 1000 is justified by their superior performance, ease of use, and blowout protection capabilities. The Kimble/Kontes KIM-KAP Caps provide laboratory technicians with peace of mind.
I wholeheartedly recommend these caps to anyone working with centrifuge tubes in a laboratory environment. Say goodbye to leaks, spills, and compromised samples.