Let’s Dive into Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 is a specialized piece of lab equipment designed for use within a Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet. Its primary function is to securely hold 12 test tubes, each with a 15 ml capacity and a diameter of 16-17 mm. At a price point of $289.99, it’s important to determine if its specific design and features justify the cost for potential users.
My journey to this specific tube rack began when our team was expanding its cell culture research capabilities, necessitating more organized and temperature-stable tube storage within our biosafety cabinet. We needed a rack that could reliably hold 15 ml conical tubes and maintain consistent temperature across all samples, something the generic racks we had simply couldn’t guarantee. The Labconco product seemed to offer a dedicated solution.
Unboxing the Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407, my initial impression was that of solid, purposeful construction. The aluminum material felt robust and appeared to be of high quality. Its compact design was also immediately appealing.
Compared to standard polypropylene racks, this aluminum rack promised better temperature conductivity and stability – a crucial factor for our temperature-sensitive experiments. Other racks we considered were either not designed for biosafety cabinet use, made of less temperature-stable materials, or lacked the precise well dimensions required for our 15 ml tubes. The Labconco rack’s specifications catered precisely to our need.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent, and the advertised features aligned perfectly with our laboratory’s requirements. Whether its performance in real-world conditions would justify the price remained to be seen, but I was excited to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 to the Test
First Use Experience
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 was immediately put to use inside our Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet during a series of cell culture experiments. The primary goal was to assess its ability to maintain uniform sample temperatures during incubation periods and throughout various experimental procedures. We wanted to see if it truly offered a better thermal environment than our existing generic racks.
The rack performed admirably under controlled laboratory conditions. Even when exposed to slight temperature fluctuations within the biosafety cabinet (simulating door openings or minor environmental changes), the aluminum construction appeared to mitigate temperature variations within the individual tubes, helping in the goal of sample preservation. The ease of use was exceptional; tubes were easy to insert and remove, and the compact design maximized workspace inside the cabinet.
Initially, there were no significant issues. The wells snugly accommodated our standard 15 ml conical tubes, and the rack’s footprint was perfectly suited for our Labconco biosafety cabinet. A slight metallic smell was noticeable upon initial unboxing, but it quickly dissipated with proper ventilation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of continuous use, the Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 continues to perform reliably. There are no visible signs of wear and tear despite frequent handling and exposure to standard laboratory disinfectants. Its simple, solid construction gives me confidence that it will last for years.
The aluminum material has proven easy to clean and maintain. Standard laboratory wipes and disinfectants readily remove any spills or contaminants without damaging the rack’s surface. So far, the Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 does outperform our previous generic racks in terms of temperature stability and ease of cleaning, which saves the company in lost research.
Compared to our previous experiences with polypropylene racks, the Labconco rack delivers a noticeable improvement in temperature uniformity and overall durability. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term benefits of consistent sample conditions and reduced replacement costs make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407
Specifications
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 is an aluminum tube rack designed for use within a Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet. It features 12 wells, each precisely sized to accommodate 15 ml round tubes with a diameter of 16-17 mm. The product’s catalog number is 97041-732, and the Supplier No. is 4026407.
These specifications are essential for ensuring compatibility with standard 15 ml conical tubes used in cell culture and molecular biology research. The aluminum construction provides excellent thermal conductivity, which helps maintain uniform sample temperatures. The specified dimensions guarantee a secure fit for the tubes, preventing spills or instability during experiments.
Performance & Functionality
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 performs its job effectively by providing a stable and temperature-controlled environment for 15 ml tubes within a biosafety cabinet. Its aluminum construction helps maintain uniform sample temperatures, which is critical for temperature-sensitive experiments. Its simple design ensures ease of use.
The rack’s primary strength lies in its ability to maintain consistent temperature across all samples, especially when compared to generic racks made of less thermally conductive materials. A potential weakness is the lack of adjustable well depths, which might limit its compatibility with certain tube types or volumes. Overall, it largely meets and exceeds our expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 boasts a solid build quality, using high-grade aluminum that feels both durable and lightweight. The compact design maximizes workspace inside the biosafety cabinet. Its simple design is user-friendly, with no learning curve required.
The rack’s ergonomic design makes it easy to load and unload tubes, minimizing the risk of spills or contamination. The smooth, rounded edges prevent snags or scratches on gloves or equipment. Its low profile also allows for easy visibility of the tubes and their contents.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 suggests a long lifespan under normal laboratory conditions. The material is resistant to corrosion and common laboratory chemicals, which contributes to its overall durability. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years.
Maintenance is straightforward. The rack can be easily cleaned with standard laboratory wipes, disinfectants, or even autoclaved for sterilization. Its simple design minimizes the risk of damage or malfunction, making repairs unlikely.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 does not come with any accessories beyond its basic construction. Since it’s a specific sized rack, there are no customization options. Its design is intended for use as a standalone unit within a Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet.
While there are no specific accessories or customization options offered by Labconco, the rack is compatible with standard 15 ml conical tubes from various brands. Users can also potentially use custom labeling or color-coding systems to organize samples within the rack.
Pros and Cons of Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407
Pros
- Excellent temperature stability due to the aluminum construction, ensuring consistent sample conditions.
- Durable and easy to clean, with resistance to corrosion and common laboratory chemicals.
- Compact design maximizes workspace inside the biosafety cabinet.
- Precise well dimensions guarantee a secure fit for standard 15 ml conical tubes.
- Simple and user-friendly design requires no learning curve.
Cons
- Relatively high price compared to generic polypropylene racks.
- Limited customization options, with no adjustable well depths or additional accessories.
Who Should Buy Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407?
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 is perfect for research laboratories and cell culture facilities. These will have a Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet and require consistent sample temperatures. This also includes those with routine use of 15 ml conical tubes.
Those who prioritize cost-effectiveness over precise temperature control and durability should skip this product. They may find generic polypropylene racks a more suitable option. Laboratories working with a variety of tube sizes may not appreciate the specificity of this rack.
Must-have accessories or modifications are minimal. This is because its design is optimized for a specific purpose. Users may consider adding custom labeling or color-coding systems to organize samples.
Conclusion on Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407
The Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 is a specialized and well-built piece of laboratory equipment that excels in its intended purpose. Its aluminum construction provides excellent temperature stability, and its compact design maximizes workspace inside a Labconco Purifier Cell Logic Biosafety Cabinet. While the price may seem high compared to generic alternatives, the long-term benefits of consistent sample conditions and durability justify the investment for laboratories prioritizing research accuracy.
The value proposition is clear: the Labconco rack delivers superior performance and reliability in temperature-sensitive applications. I would personally recommend it to any laboratory seeking to upgrade their sample storage system and ensure the integrity of their experiments. If your lab utilizes a Labconco Biosafety Cabinet, this is a must-have.
Consider investing in the Labconco Tube Rack 12 Well 15 Ml 16mm 4026407 to enhance the quality and reliability of your cell culture and molecular biology research.