- Borosilicate 3.3 glass test tubes
- Capacity 50ml
- Legnth x OD: 150 x 24mm
- Light wall (1.2mm) with beaded rim
- Excellent resistance to heat and chemicals
- Autoclavable
OVERVIEW:
GWSI 50 ml light wall test tubes with beaded rims provide high-capacity vessels for large-volume heating, boiling, and reaction work. Made from borosilicate 3.3 glass, they deliver high thermal shock resistance and chemical inertness while maintaining lightweight handling. The reinforced beaded rim enhances durability and grip, reducing chipping during frequent use, while the light wall construction enables rapid heat transfer for efficient temperature changes.
HISTORY:
Large-capacity test tubes emerged as laboratories needed vessels that bridged the gap between standard test tubes and flasks for medium-volume work. The 50 ml size became popular for boiling larger quantities, conducting substantial reactions, and accommodating larger samples without requiring full flask setups. Light wall construction reduced weight and improved heat transfer rates, while beaded rims solved the persistent problem of rim chipping that plagued plain-edged tubes during routine handling and cleaning. This combination made large test tubes practical for daily laboratory use.
APPLICATIONS:
– Pharmaceutical labs — large-volume solubility testing, precipitation reactions, and sample preparation requiring substantial capacity
– Biotech facilities — larger culture volumes, protein precipitation, and biochemical assays needing more working space
– Clinical laboratories — processing larger specimen volumes and conducting multi-step diagnostic procedures
– University teaching labs— demonstrating boiling, distillation prep, and larger-scale chemical reactions to student groups
– College research groups — intermediate-scale synthesis, extraction procedures, and analytical sample processing
– School science labs — supervised demonstrations of boiling, crystallization, and larger-volume chemical reactions
– Industrial QC labs — quality control testing requiring larger sample volumes and multi-step analytical procedures
MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
GWSI manufactures 50 ml light wall test tubes by melting borosilicate 3.3 glass at 1,650°C and forming the cylindrical body and round bottom through precision automated molding or skilled hand-blowing. The beaded rim is created by reheating and rolling the tube opening to form a reinforced, rounded edge that resists chipping and provides secure grip. The light wall thickness is carefully controlled during forming to ensure uniform thinness while maintaining structural integrity, followed by controlled annealing to eliminate internal stress.
TESTING PROCESS:
Manual inspection verifies wall thickness uniformity, beaded rim quality, round bottom geometry, and dimensional accuracy on every tube. Automated polarization stress testing then scans the glass for residual strain that could cause failure during heating or handling. Sample tubes from each batch undergo thermal shock testing and rim durability verification to ensure the beaded edge withstands routine laboratory use without chipping or cracking.
PRINTING PROCESS:
Volume markings and identification areas are screened onto the tube surface using ceramic glass inks formulated for borosilicate compatibility. The tubes enter high-temperature kilns where ceramic glass fusing permanently bonds the ink into the glass matrix. This creates durable, legible markings that resist chemical attack, repeated heating, and autoclaving—essential for large tubes used in demanding applications.
PACKAGING PROCESS:
Final sorting removes any tubes with wall defects, rim imperfections, round bottom irregularities, or surface blemishes. Approved tubes are individually wrapped or nested in compartmentalized trays to prevent contact damage during shipping. They’re packed in heavy-duty double-wall corrugated boxes with shock-absorbing dividers, suitable for domestic distribution or international export.
MAINTENANCE & SAFETY:
– Clean immediately after use with appropriate solvents or detergents; use large tube brushes for thorough interior cleaning of the 85 ml capacity
– Autoclave at 121°C / 15 psi; tubes are fully autoclavable and maintain integrity through repeated sterilization cycles
– Heat using appropriate holders or clamps; the large size and light wall require secure support during heating operations
– Inspect before each use for cracks, chips, or stress marks, paying special attention to the beaded rim and round bottom
– Handle the beaded rim with care despite its reinforced design; avoid dropping or striking against hard surfaces
– Store upright in appropriate racks that accommodate the larger 50 ml size to prevent rolling and protect the round bottom
Manufactured by GWSI Glass Lab — Ambala, Haryana, India (The Science City)