Glove boxes are specialty enclosures that allow tight control over experimental conditions. Sizes range from less than five to several hundred cubic feet. Glove boxes maintain temperature, humidity, and process gas while protecting the experiment from operators, or vice versa, depending on the application. They also allow the introduction or removal of equipment and samples.
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Glove Box
1. What applications are you using the glove box for? This will determine exactly what you will need in a glove box, such as an oxygen-free atmosphere, etc.
2. Are the incubation and processing separated in order to prevent contamination? This is important if you will be using the glove box for cell culture.
3. How much will the glove box cost to acquire and maintain? Are warranties offered? Custom glove boxes are the most expensive, so if a standard model can fit your needs that is probably the better way to go. Making small customizations to an off-the-shelf model is also another less costly option than a fully-custom unit.
4. What are your future needs? This will help determine if the smallest unit is really the best option or if a larger option which can accommodate future expansion would make more sense.
5. What sort of safety features does the glove box have? These are especially important if you are working with very hazardous materials.