At Microscope Marketplace, we’re proud to offer a full line of precision lab equipment from OHAUS Corporation—an industry leader in balances, moisture analyzers, centrifuges, meters, and more. But when it comes to picking the right tool for your lab, a little upfront guidance can make all the difference.

Whether you're outfitting a new lab or replacing a single unit, knowing the right questions to ask can streamline your purchase and ensure you’re getting exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.

Let’s break it down by equipment type:

🧪 Balances & Scales

Before selecting a balance, consider:

1. Max Capacity – What’s the heaviest sample you’ll be weighing? This determines whether you need a precision or analytical balance—or even a heavy-duty industrial scale like the Defender Series.

2. Readability (Decimal Places) – How fine does your measurement need to be? Some applications need four decimal places; others don’t require that level of detail.

3. Budget – OHAUS offers a range of models at various price points. Your budget helps narrow down models without sacrificing essential features.

4. Application – Are you weighing solids, powders, or liquids? In a cleanroom, classroom, or warehouse? The environment and use-case help determine the best balance for you.

🌡️ Moisture Analyzers

For food science, pharma, or plastics labs, moisture content is crucial. Ask:

1. What are your repeatability requirements? – High-precision applications call for top-tier models like the MB120.

2. Do you need a glassless design? – In food production, a glass-free housing ensures safety and compliance.

3. What features matter most? – Touchscreens, password protection, user tracking, method storage, and connectivity can streamline workflow and enhance compliance.

4. What’s the best drying method for your sample? – Determining the right method often takes trial and error. The MB120 simplifies this with its SmartGuide, which develops method parameters automatically based on your first run.

⚗️ Electrochemistry Equipment (pH & Conductivity Meters)

Get the most out of your measurements by answering:

1. What sample are you measuring? Expected pH? – This helps you select the right electrode.

2. Measurement temperature? – Temperature affects readings; OHAUS has 3-in-1 electrodes with built-in temperature sensors.

3. Sample volume/container? – Choose the appropriate electrode design based on size and shape.

4. Doing TRIS buffer work? – Not all electrodes are compatible; we’ll guide you accordingly.

5. pH only, or pH + conductivity + temperature? – The AquaSearcher and AB41 models offer multifunctionality and data capture options.

6. Data capture or export required? – For documentation or compliance, certain models offer USB or RS232 connectivity.

7. Multiple users or admin controls needed? – GLP/GMP compliance or user management? Go with AB41 benchtop meters.

8. Know your pH range? – Helps identify the most applicable and cost-effective electrode.

🌀 Centrifuges

To avoid compatibility issues, ask:

1. What size and type of tubes are you using? – Rotor compatibility is essential.

2. How many tubes per cycle? – Determines rotor capacity and format.

3. Required G-force? – Speed is important, but relative centrifugal force (RCF) is key for separation quality.

4. Bio-sealable rotor needed? – For safety in clinical or infectious sample handling, only aerosol-tight rotors apply.

5. Budget? – Options range from compact models to high-capacity refrigerated units.

6. Need help sorting through it all? – OHAUS offers a customer-facing questionnaire to guide selection—ask us for it!

🔄 Open Air Shakers

Match the shaker to your workflow:

1. Motion type needed? – Orbital, rocking, or waving motions suit different applications.

2. CO₂ incubator use? – You’ll need an extreme environment shaker.

3. Heating/cooling required? – Consider an incubating/cooling shaker.

4. Tube or flask type? – The platform must fit your vessel format.

5. Number of samples? – Size matters when you're scaling up.

6. Analog or digital display? – Simplicity or precision? Your preference guides the choice.

🔥 Hot Plates & Stirrers

A staple in every lab—just be sure it’s the right one:

1. Heating only or heating + stirring?

2. Budget? – Models vary in features and price.

3. Plate size needed? – Match it to your container or flask.

4. Sample viscosity? – High-viscosity samples need more stirring power.

5. Analog or digital? – Choose based on your precision needs.

6. Safety features desired? – Consider temperature limits, spill protection, and auto shut-off.

⚖️ Calibration Weights

Precision starts with proper calibration:

1. Which standard? – ASTM, OIML, or NIST?

2. What tolerance class? – Your application dictates the needed precision.

3. Set or individual weights? – Know the value or range needed.

4. Certification required? – Choose traceable or ISO/IEC 17025-accredited certification depending on your QA protocols.

Final Thoughts

We know that buying lab equipment can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Microscope Marketplace, we walk you through every step, asking the right questions to save you time, money, and potential frustration. If you're not sure where to begin, contact our team and we’ll help you find the perfect OHAUS solution for your lab.

📞 Need help now?
Call us or browse our OHAUS collection here: https://microscopemarketplace.com/search?q=ohaus