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At Wescott Laboratory Solutions we manufacture our product with Polycarbonate, Lexan™ or Hyzod™ for its quality, strength, and durability. All of these products come with a lifetime guarantee (see Warranty), and we will modify these products at no additional cost to you (see Customization Information). When autoclaving is required, we recommend that it be manufactured with Polysulfone. While polysulfone products are more expensive, they still include a 1 year warranty. Upon request we will manufacture products using Acrylic/Plexiglas. However, we will not warranty these products past the date of delivery, as they are brittle. If you have specific requirements for your laboratory equipment, feel free to call us—877-957-5227. We will be happy to research various plastics and come up with the right solution for you. Not all Plastics are Created Equal!Things that you should know about plastics while considering the purchase of products for your laboratory...Each type of plastic has its own unique properties and will react differently in various situations. Polycarbonate: Slightly more expensive than acrylic/plexiglas, this plastic has a high moisture content and is extremely durable. It is also commonly used as a clear, “bullet-proof” barrier in banks, and armored cars. Polycarbonate machines well, producing a small, smooth chip, when the proper tooling is used. Polycarbonate products are extremely difficult—if not impossible—to break. Cleaning polycarbonate is fairly simple since it has a reasonably strong chemical resistance to the harsh cleaning agents used in a lab. NEVER use any type of petroleum-based cleaner on a polycarbonate product; it will cause the plastic to degrade and crack in a matter of minutes. It is not recommended that you autoclave any polycarbonate product as this will shorten the life expectancy of the product, however it will withstand the autoclaving process a few times, but a slight discoloration will occur. Polysulfone: This very expensive, medical-grade, autoclavable plastic is commonly used in a clinical/scientific setting were autoclaving is a must. It is an amber/clear plastic which machines well, when the proper tooling is used. It will crack when dropped, or it can shatter under extreme circumstances (though it usually does not produce sharp edges since it is reinforced with a fiber). Cleaning polysulfone is easy since it is more chemically resistant than polycarbonate. Never use petroleum based cleaners. This plastic was specifically engineered to be autoclaved. Acrylics/Plexiglas: This low cost, dry, and brittle plastic is commonly used for temporary barriers, low cost toys, and in the production of sculpture for its crystal-clear appearance. It does not machine very well, having a tendency to chip and break during the machining process. Acrylics will chip, crack, or shatter when dropped, leaving sharp edges, much like glass. Special care must be given while cleaning as it is not very chemically resistant—clean with soap and water only, and NEVER autoclave anything made with this plastic.
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