SciMed
Melting Point Apparatus — Analog Lab Unit with 100 Capillary Tubes
Melting Point Apparatus — Analog Lab Unit with 100 Capillary Tubes
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Analog capillary melting point apparatus for organic chemistry teaching, pharmaceutical QC, and material identification — ambient to 350°C range with energy-regulator temperature control. Aluminum cylindrical heating block with radial holes accepting 3 capillary tubes + mercury/digital thermometer. Illuminated observation window (lamp underneath block) for shadow-less viewing of sample as it melts. Energy regulator with high/low heat switch for controlled ramp rate. Includes 100 capillary tubes. $214.99 direct — the essential undergraduate + industrial teaching / QC melting point tool. Premium OEM automated MP apparatus (Buchi B-540, Stuart SMP20, MPA100) run $2,500-$8,000; this analog unit delivers the fundamentals for teaching + basic pharma QC at 3-8% of that cost.
Applications
- Organic chemistry teaching — undergraduate identification of synthesized compounds by melting point (universal chem lab experiment)
- Pharmaceutical QC — API identity + purity verification per USP <741> Melting Range or Temperature
- Nutraceutical + supplement manufacturing — raw material identity confirmation
- Ayurvedic + herbal ingredient identification — Bhasma / Rasa Aushadhi purity check
- Forensic chemistry — unknown solid identification
- Perfume + essential oil QC — solid fragrance component verification
- Wax + polymer characterization — melting range assessment
- Food + confectionery QC — fat + chocolate + wax melting point verification
Specifications
| Temperature range | Ambient to 350°C |
|---|---|
| Heating block | Aluminum cylindrical with radial holes for capillary tubes + thermometer |
| Capillary tube capacity | 3 simultaneous capillaries (compare unknown + reference standard side-by-side) |
| Temperature measurement | Mercury thermometer well (thermometer sold separately if not on-hand) |
| Temperature control | Energy regulator (variable-power) with high/low heat switch |
| Illumination | Lamp under aluminum block provides shadow-less illumination for observation |
| Included accessories | 100 glass capillary tubes (sealed one end) |
| Standard compliance | Compatible with USP <741> Melting Range or Temperature methodology · IP + BP + EP capillary methods |
Analog vs automated melting point — which do you need?
Analog (this instrument) = manual observation, operator watches sample and records temperature when melting begins/completes. Fully valid per USP <741>. Best for: teaching, small pharma QC, budget-conscious labs. Automated (Buchi B-540 / Stuart SMP20 / SciMed MPA100 $5,985): digital camera detects melting inflection points, records precise mp values, prints reports, LIMS integration. Best for: high-volume pharma production QC, GMP-regulated pharma release testing, method validation. If you need SciMed's automated tier, see the [MPA100](/products/mpa100-automated-melting-point-apparatus).
Best for
- University + college organic chemistry teaching labs (this is the standard undergraduate mp apparatus)
- Small pharma + nutraceutical R&D + QC
- Ayurvedic + herbal manufacturing identity verification
- High school + community college advanced chemistry
- Contract testing labs (initial mp screening)
- International pharma + academic procurement via DDP
Buying for a chemistry teaching program or pharma QC?
- Volume pricing on 5+ units (equip a full teaching bench)
- Net-30 invoicing for verified academic + pharma accounts
- SAM.gov compliant for federal + academic labs
- Replacement capillary tubes ($15/500 tube bulk pack) stocked
- Upgrade path to MPA100 automated MP apparatus available when needed
- International DDP shipping — global pharma + academic procurement
FAQ
Is thermometer included?
NO — thermometer sold separately. Standard partial-immersion mercury thermometer 0-360°C with 76mm immersion required. Digital thermometers also compatible. Order thermometer + this MP apparatus together — email us for pairing.
USP <741> compliance for pharma?
Yes — capillary method with visual observation is one of the approved USP <741> methodologies. Data acceptable for compendial pharma release testing. For GMP-regulated production QC + LIMS integration + audit trail, invest in automated (MPA100 tier).
How long do capillary tubes last?
Single-use — one capillary per determination. 100 included covers ~30-50 determinations (typical duplicate + reference standard runs). Replacement 500-pack ~$15 direct.
Heating ramp rate?
Operator-controlled via energy regulator. USP recommends 1°C/min near the mp. This unit allows manual adjustment — turn regulator down as sample approaches expected mp for compliant ramp control.
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