What Are the Types of Lab Ovens?

Laboratory ovens are essential equipment for numerous applications, including forensics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing operations and research labs. Lab ovens come in different types and sizes to perform various functions, whether strengthening materials during the manufacturing process or preparing medical equipment for reuse. Learn more about lab ovens and their distinct configurations below.

What Is a Lab Oven?

Lab ovens offer accurate and uniform temperature control that's needed to cure, bake, dehydrate or dry substances. These ovens can also sterilize equipment, anneal metal and glass, and evaporate substances — such as when removing excess solvents from a solution. With their array of uses, it's common to see lab ovens in businesses across a wide range of sectors.

Lab oven chambers come in small, medium and large volumes to fit various sample sizes and ensure the materials receive even heat distribution. Features such as safety shutoffs and glass wool insulation ensure these ovens stand up to heavy industrial usage while safeguarding the technicians using the equipment.

Common Types of Lab Ovens

When selecting a lab oven for your specific application, understanding your options can help you make an informed choice for your operation. The types of laboratory ovens you can choose from include:

• Mechanical convection lab ovens:Many lab ovens heat materials via a mechanical convection method, which involves using a fan to force air across heating components and into a warming chamber. This method offers uniform heating for better results when temperature is critical.
• Gravity convection lab ovens:If temperature consistency is less crucial to your operations, you might choose a gravity convection oven. In this oven, warm air rises to the top and escapes through vents, creating heat transfer due to the contrast with the cool air at the bottom of the chamber.
• Vacuum lab ovens: These lab drying ovens dehydrate substances by conducting heat from the side walls instead of using convection. The vacuum pump creates a low-pressure space inside the chamber that prevents oxidation.
• High-temperature lab ovens:High-temperature ovens can reach temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and above, serving well for manufacturing applications like annealing. They have added insulation to accommodate these higher temps and ensure no thermal energy escapes.

Shop Boekel Scientific Laboratory Ovens

With decades of experience, high-quality in-house manufacturing processes and superior customer service, Boekel Scientific is a reliable source for innovative lab equipment that streamlines your operations. Browse our lab ovens and contact us today for more information on our offerings.