One of the most enduring human traits is a constant need to tinker. From an early age, this might manifest with building blocks or crayons, but as we get older the tools become a little more advanced and some of those children become scientists with laboratory equipment that leaves the toys of childhood far behind…

When it comes to finding yourself standing in the laboratory, many scientists and technicians are faced with a similar need to create, innovate and, essentially, tinker with the mechanics of anything available.

This curiosity has meant that the lab has become home to some things you might never have expected. While many members of the general public assume laboratories to be producing new, clearer brands of headphones, or picture them with exciting perfumes being held in a vial crimp, there are actually a great many things created in many different laboratories which you might never expect. Here are five of the strangest:

1. Meat

It might seem strange to you now, but for many years futurologists have predicted the rise of lab grown meats. The quest to create a burger in a petri dish might be closer to conclusion than you had previously thought. As recently as 2013, scientists were demonstrating a hamburger made from mincemeat grown in a lab in Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Costing nearly a third of a million dollars, the patty was reported to have looked and smelled incredibly close to that alluring odour, but the taste might not be quite right just yet.

2. Diamonds

With the continuing troubles regarding the source of many mined diamonds, finding an ethically sound means of procuring the precious stones could lie in a laboratory. While lab-created diamonds have existed for many years, traditional diamond producers and salesmen have claimed that they lack the imperfections which distinguish them from the real thing. However, it could be the next step which is the most unexpected. A Swiss laboratory has claimed that they will soon be able to take a cremated person’s ashes and convert them into a diamond. Rather than a traditional burial, it could well be that we receive the diamond treatment when it comes to future remembrance ceremonies.

3. Viruses

While it is long held that laboratories are one of the very best weapons in our fight against disease, there is often no means of telling what is actually in all of the glass vials similar to the ones we provide to lab workers. One of the most worrying possibilities must surely be a virus. While we may not quite be at the stage where evil scientists are knocking together a super plague, there have been recent concerns over the experiments performed on the H5N1 virus and how this research could lead to future trouble. With so many cures being developed in the lab, it could well be a disease which is the next leap forward.

4. Drugs

When saying that drugs have been developed in a laboratory, many people will simply nod and assume that you are referring to medicine. However, some of the most potent forms of narcotics have been created from scratch by those working in laboratories. Usually, people think of all drugs as being similar to marijuana or cocaine; naturally occurring substances which are manufactured into the mind altering. However, LSD is perhaps the most famous example of an entirely scientific creation. On April 16 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman administered the first dose of a drug he had been working on for some time. He recorded his findings and found the chemical to induce quite the effect. Whilst originally conceived for medicinal purposes, every batch of LSD since created is based in some way on his initial laboratory findings. Responsible for much of the psychedelic happenings of the Swinging Sixties, it may well surprise some to find that the substance was created in a laboratory.

5. Big Bang

Posited as the very beginnings of the universe itself, a huge and seismic event which shaped everything which surrounds us, it might well seem that trying to create a similar circumstance in a laboratory might be a bad idea. But perhaps not. Whilst we might be more comfortable with beautifully organised vial seals and incredibly accurate balances, other labs seem to prefer the option of taking two very, very small objects and hitting them together in a very, very fast manner. This is a gross over simplification of the Large Hadron Collider, a tool in a lab whose circumference is measured in miles and lurks under the ground along the French/Swiss border. Within, scientists are trying to recreate the Big Bang on a smaller scale, observing the incredibly detailed occurrences surrounding such an event. Though there was widespread public mumblings regarding a possible apocalypse, scientists have now begun to make incredibly discoveries based on the results from the large, underground, circular, atom-smashing laboratory. Who knew that a simple lab might be able to one day recreate the beginning of the universe?

The laboratory equipment you use is vitally important, so it makes sense to ensure you have the best possible supplier. But with so many suppliers out there, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you make your choice:

How long have they been operating in this market?

Although every company has to start somewhere, it is well acknowledged that working with a business that has only just started trading a particular type of product is more risky. Any teething problems that the company encounters as it nails down its supply chain are likely to be reflected in the service you receive as a customer. For a stress-free experience when buying laboratory equipment, it is normally advisable to look in to how long the business in question has been operational, and choose a well established company. Laboratory Precision Ltd has been established and trading for over 25 years.

What is the availability of the items you require?

It sounds simple, but one of the first things to check is whether the company actually provide the service you’re looking for. There’s little point doing further research in to them, only to find that you can’t actually buy the thing you set out to!

Do they have a website?

In this day and age it is extremely unusual for a consumer-facing business not to have a website. Explore their website and check that there are easy ways to get in touch with them – an email address and phone number should be readily available.

What are their working hours?

It’s important to find a supplier who will be contactable during the hours that you need them to be – so make sure that you’re aware when they will and won’t be contactable.

Are their products quality checked?

All good laboratory equipment suppliers will be able to explain their quality checking procedures to you very clearly. This is a crucial way for you to be assured that you are purchasing high-quality equipment.

Do they have knowledge of what they offer?

You should be able to get in touch with the company to check that they have a thorough understanding of the equipment they are selling, and can answer any questions you have relating to the product you are looking to buy.

Will they give you an official documented quotation?

This is another sign of a trustworthy business, and don’t forget that this quote can be extremely important for your financial records!

How long will they hold their quoted prices?

Most companies will guarantee a quote for only a certain length of time. Check how long you have before your quoted price runs out to ensure you don’t get any unwelcome surprises!

What are their payment terms and what product warranties do they offer?

Both of these are important facts to know at the outset, before you commit to making a purchase with any new supplier.

As a market leader in the manufacture and provision of top quality laboratory equipment, with over twenty five years experience, Laboratory Precision Ltd are extremely well placed to offer an extensive range of laboratory precision products. Based in the UK and with a wealth of expertise, we specialise in the design and manufacture of quality vial crimpers and decappers for crimping and decapping aluminium caps on crimp-top vials and bottles.

Laboratory Precision is a UK based company, supplying both within the United Kingdom and internationally. We are established as being a reliable and trustworthy source of laboratory products and we are able to manufacture these products to the highest possible standards: flying the flag for UK manufactured products.

Our customer base covers the fields of veterinary and human medicine, schools and laboratories. The ready availability and reliability of our products for use in sterile enviroments, is of prime importance to our customers. As we are also able to offer a bespoke design service tailored to each clients individual needs, with a  manufacturing base that is nimble and responsive to customer requirements.

We are proud to offer the following high quality products:

Vial Crimpers and Vial Decappers

We specialise in the manufacture of high quality tools for crimping and decapping aluminium vial seals onto glass vials and bottles. These are available as Hand Vial Crimpers and Decappers for crimping in low volumes, Bench-mounted vial crimpers for crimping in the medium volume range, and Pneumatic Crimpers and Decappers for larger volume applications.

Perfume Atomizer Spray Pump Crimpers

We offer crimping tools for aluminium crimp-on atomiser spray vial caps for the perfume and beauty industry in two standard sizes of 15mm and 20mm crimp collets, other sizes are available on request.
Depending upon the quantity ordered we offer the Cosmetic Atomiser Spray Pump Crimper for small volumes, the Manual Bench-Mounted Cosmetic Spray Pump Crimper for mid range volumes and the Pneumatic Bench Mounted Perfume Spray Pump Crimper for high volume production.

Laboratory Glass Vial and Bottle Range

We have a wide range of high quality precision-made glass vials and bottles ranging from Borosilicate Glass vials and bottles for the least reactive type of glass available, to de-alkalised Soda Lime Glass to use with products below a pH level 7. We also offer Soda-Lime Glass used for storing dry powder and liquids which are insensitive to alkali, and a general purpose Soda-Lime Glass which is suited for non-parenteral products (to be consumed orally or by inhalation)
and is often used for storing medication, usually in tablet form.

Injection Vials

We are able to supply both clear and amber injection vials, made from borosilicate type I glass with a crimp finish which are suitable for lyophilization / freeze-drying and parentarel applications.

Dram Vials / Trident Vials

Manufactured from Type 1 Borosilicate glass, these vials have a very high resistance to strong acids, alkalis and heat, making them perfect for the storage or display of almost any small sample.

Diagnostic Vials

As an alternative to crimp finish bottles, we can offer screw thread diagnostic vials with a stopper in clear or amber glass.

Pathology Vials

Made from neutral moulded glass these vials are autoclavable and suitable for pharmaceutical use.

Universal and Bijou Vials

Manufactured from Type 111 tubular Soda Glass these Universal vials have screw neck tops with polypropylene or aluminium caps.

Dropper Bottles and Assemblies

Readily available from stock, these vials are made from neutral Type 1B tubular glass and are suitable for a range of diagnostic, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.

 

Crimp Caps and Vial Seals

We offer a vast range of caps and seals including flip-off caps, complete tear-off or centre tear-out caps and seals, flip up or off/tear-off caps and seals and vial stoppers. All of these are available in a comprehensive range of sizes, colours and styles.

Laboratory Balances

Manufactured by Adam Equipment in the UK, this range of digital scales, used in the fields of medicine, education, retail, industry and pharmaceuticals, has a reputation for accuracy, reliability, durability and good value for money. We also supply calibration weights and balance and scale accessories.

 

Oil-Free Air Compressors

We have a wide range of oil-free air compressors, including Bambi, Jun-Air and Ekom to ensure clean compressed air quality for the medical and dental industry, the electronics industry and the food processing industry. As ever, we are here to advise you on the most suitable product for your needs.

Chromatography Crimpers and Decappers

Manufactured in-house by ourselves at Laboratory Precision Limited , our chromatography crimpers and decappers are supplied directly to sterile and hygienic working environments across the world for use in laboratories and hospitals.

Setting the Standard for Laboratory Equipment.

As a UK based company we take pride in our ability to provide a wide range of top quality Laboratory Precision Products within a sterile environment, with trustworthiness, reliability, responsiveness and high standards as our core values. With over 25 years experience in the field and being suppliers to many household names we set the benchmark for equipment that will be used now and for years to come.