FAQ

1. Q: Does Precision Glassblowing repair ICP, ICP-MS, and general laboratory glassware?

A: Yes! We excel in repairing ICP and ICP/MS glassware, and can also repair almost any quartz or borosilicate laboratory glassware. Please refer to our Repairs Page for more information and a copy of our repair form.

2. Q: Can Precision Glassblowing repair my broken crystal vase?

A: No. Precision Glassblowing works solely with Quartz and Borosilicate glass. Crystal and artistically blown soft glass pieces are not our specialty.

3. Q: Do I need to call you before sending you my lab glassware to be repaired?

A: No. All we ask is that you include a completed repair form. We will contact you once we’ve received the part or parts and evaluated them for repair.

4. Q: What is Devitrification?

A: Technically, glass is an amorphous solid, existing in a state of imbalance. Devitrification occurs when the glass molecules begin to order themselves into a crystalline structure, causing the glass to become more brittle and develop a cloudy-white appearance. For more information on devitrification, click here.

5. Q: What is the difference between Pyrex and quartz glass?

A: Pyrex is actually a trade name for Corning borosilicate glass, but is commonly used synonymously to refer to any borosilicate glass. Borosilicate is a silicate glass with boron in it. It has a very low coefficient of expansion compared to other glass. Quartz glass is a highly pure silicate glass with a coefficient of expansion even lower than borosilicate glass and an even higher melting point.

6. Q: What are the melting points of borosilicate and quartz glass?

A: Borosilicate glass has a melting point around 820^oC (1,508^oF) and is annealed around 550^oC (1,022^oF). Quartz glass begins to melt around 1,665^oC (3,029^oF) and is usually annealed around 1,140^oC (2,084^oF).

7. Q: How do I clean my torch?

A: We have heard customers recommend hot aqua-regia, cold aqua-regia, baking or other cleaning regimens. In general, however, Precision Glassblowing recommends that torches not be cleaned. As odd as it may seem, the constant strain of temperature changes and solvents used for cleaning actually shorten the life-span of a torch. There are, of course, exceptions. For more information, talk to your sales representative.

8. Q: What are the differences between A-Type, C-Type and K-Type Nebulizers?

A: The A-type nebulizer was the original concentric nebulizer developed, and has an internal capillary ground flush to the nose. The technology has since evolved into a C-type neb. which has an internal capillary slightly recessed with regard to the nose resulting in a higher tolerance for dissolved solids and a more consistent aerosol making it much preferred over the older A-Type. Sometime after this, there was a push to consume less argon and so the K-type neb. was developed which functions much like a C-type but uses only 0.7 liter/minute of argon as opposed to the 1 liter/minute of argon the C-types use.

9. Q: What is the difference between an axial and radial torch?

A: Simply put, an axial torch is one used in an instrument arranged in an axial, or horizontal, orientation. A radial torch is used in a vertical orientation.

10. Q: What is the delivery time on my order?

A: Precision Glassblowing strives to maintain stock on all common ICP and ICP/MS consumables. Custom items and repairs carry a 2-3 week turn-around-time assuming raw materials are in stock. On occasion, the availability of raw materials may require longer lead times.

11. Q: What if I need a faster turn-around-time?

A: Order expediting is available in most cases for an additional fee. Please contact your sales representative for more details.