With a working base such as laboratory jacks inside the laboratory, small or even smaller paraphernalia can be assured of being held on a stable ground. Users now don’t have to worry about beakers falling, liquids spilling, or containers tilting over.
Useful as they are, these devices play crucial roles in adjusting heights of varying equipment like flasks, hot plates, and glasses. How could these versatile lifts be so precise that laboratory denizens see them as indispensable tools within their workplace?
The answer is obvious. These useful lab implements were devised to contribute to accuracy and stability in environments that need hypervigilant eyes, steady hands, and careful judgement. And did you know that there are several types that have evolved through the years?
The Evolution of Laboratory Jacks
Also known as scissor jacks, these lab equipment may have undergone several modifications that resulted in providing ease of usage. If the pioneer hydraulic types came first, there surfaced another variant with precision controls in the succeeding years.
To this day, they have transformed the way lab technicians, researchers, and other frequent users conduct their daily routines. Routines have become so much easier and many balance issues have been resolved.
Not only scientific experimentation environments use these lifting tools. Educational institutions, research studies, and other medical-related fields have used them. With so much accuracy, efficiency, and user friendliness among their characteristics, the question is: Will lifting tools stay on the scene for several centuries more?
Let us examine the functions of these lifting stages, as others may have referred to them as such, by looking into the device itself. What cutting-edge innovation has made them into what they are now? How do lab workers choose a tool such as this for their specific purposes?
These questions will be answered by us. But first, let’s look at some interesting facts.
Types of Lifting Tools
There are only two types of lifting platforms listed so far, namely:
- Manual or hydraulic
- Motorised or precision
Each has their own special uses and descriptions. Let’s delve on their specifications to become acquainted with their build and capacity to withstand weight or pressure.
Manual or Hydraulic Jacks
Manual jacks work mechanically with their hydraulic feature. They have a central screw attached to the middle portion of the crossing metal pieces. To increase or decrease the hold, users can just run the screw.
This movement will then either extend or contract, thus, adjusting the height of its platform. Hydraulic types feature a sturdy construction made of stainless steel or light alloy. These can be operated by means of pedal or by hand.
The hydraulic kinds feature a sturdy construction made of stainless steel or light alloy. These can be operated by means of foot or hand pedal.
Available in the following specifications:
- Operated by foot pedal:
- 400×450 mm, 85 kg., 190 - 620 mm in height
- 500×500 mm, 85 kg., 260 - 870 mm in height
- 600×600 mm, 85 kg., 260 - 1070 mm in height
- Operated by hand pedal:
- 200×230 mm, 15 kg., 108 - 393 mm in height
- 200×230 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- 300×300 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- Aluminium alloy, operated by hand pedal & anti-sag device
- 200×230 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- 300×300 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- Aluminium alloy, anodised, and operated by hand pedal & anti-sag device
- 200×230 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- Aluminium alloy, operated by hand pedal, ball transfer units, & anti-sag device
- 200×230 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
- Stainless steel, operated by hand pedal
- 200×230 mm, 25 kg., 91 - 285 mm in height
Motorised Jacks
The motorised type is not built with a smooth surface. Its platform is rugged to add stability to whatever thing is placed on it. This is most suitable for optomechanical sub-assembliesrequiring height adjustment. Specifications are as follows:
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Aluminium, anodised
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Able to carry up to 20 kgs.
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Height can be adjusted by lead screw
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Power: Stepper Motor
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Has accurate linear guide
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Parallelism is 0.1 mm
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Platform designed with M6 tapped holes at 25 mm grid
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Base has M6 clearance holes for mounting requirements
Lengths come in 300 - 350 mm, with base measurements varying from 150 mm, 250mm, and 300 mm. Its height ranges are 150 mm and 270 mm. The two platforms have the same number of holes, designed to get both plates aligned when adjusted.
Motorised jacks come in compact, min, standard, and heavy duty, with rectangular platforms offering dual-pantograph designs.
Choosing the Right Jack
Selecting from a wide assortment is not hard at all. Scientists, lab technicians, medical technologists, and researchers would know which one they would need. It all boils down to the kind of profession, tasks, and specific needs of the end user.
In addition, there are tasks that warrant specific weight lifting, height requirements, or jack type. To make it easier for you to choose:
- For basic lab work: Aluminium alloy
- For heavy duty tasks: Stainless steel
There are options that address users’ need for more solutions by means of providing an array of lifts with a wider range of load and size requirements. Some stores sell the kind with chrome finish but with an ABS plastic plate gracing the platform.
The latter can be used for not so delicate experiments and is a cheaper alternative compared to its heavier counterparts. But lest you have forgotten that buying things for cheap is not equal to getting top quality equipment at all.
Other Advantages Brought by the Jacks
- Easy to clean and reliable
- Lightweight due to its dimensions
- Able to stabilise sensitive objects
- Ideal to use as benchtop for small lab equipment
- Offers support and stable elevation
Where to Buy
If you are planning to make a purchase, never go to the nearest retailer that offers you their so-labelled best price without checking other sellers. Comparing the items by usage, durability, and price is the best way to obtain better deals.
It’s not always clothes or footwear that go on sale; some of these items may don half-the-price tags any time of the year. Also, buying in bulk for an organisation would cost less than buying retail. Check online stores that offer discounts and promos on these items, too!
Recap
So far, laboratory jacks will remain to assist lab habitues for a longer time. It is not yet going to be obsolete and future upgrades will guarantee its existence. Inventors will continue to manufacture useful tools such as these as they are helping to make lab work easier, safe, and fast.
As a reminder, you have to know what substances or materials you are going to conduct experiments on. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Revisit your requirements list and check on the weight and vertical travel specs before looking at which one is the most appropriate.
After providing you with information, choosing the right item will now be easier for you. Nothing can go beyond being educated on what you plan to buy and what’s more important is you will be directed towards the real thing you need.
You can make an informed decision now.
