Laboratory Glove Boxes
Labs USA supplies laboratory glove boxes and glovebox systems for research, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Glove boxes provide a sealed, controlled-atmosphere enclosure for handling air-sensitive, moisture-sensitive, or hazardous materials safely. Available in stainless steel, acrylic, and polycarbonate configurations.
Call (801) 717-8834 or request a quote.
What Is a Laboratory Glove Box?
A laboratory glove box (also called a glovebox or isolator) is a sealed enclosure with built-in glove ports that allow users to manipulate materials inside without direct contact or atmospheric exposure. The internal atmosphere can be controlled — filled with inert gas (nitrogen, argon), maintained at specific humidity levels, or kept under negative pressure for hazardous materials.
Glove boxes are essential for:
- Handling air-sensitive chemicals and compounds (lithium batteries, organometallics)
- Working with moisture-sensitive materials
- Manipulating radioactive or highly toxic substances
- Pharmaceutical compounding in controlled environments
- Nanotechnology and advanced materials research
- Forensic evidence handling
Types of Glove Boxes
| Type | Atmosphere | Applications | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inert Gas Glove Box | Nitrogen or argon (<1 ppm O₂/H₂O) | Battery research, organometallics, OLED | $15,000–$80,000+ |
| Controlled Atmosphere | Mixed gas, humidity controlled | Pharmaceutical, biological samples | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Negative Pressure | Contained hazardous atmosphere | Radioactive, toxic, cytotoxic materials | $8,000–$40,000 |
| Portable / Benchtop | Basic containment | Teaching, weighing, simple isolation | $2,000–$8,000 |
Glove Box vs. Fume Hood vs. BSC
- Glove Box — Sealed enclosure with glove ports. Provides the highest level of containment and atmosphere control. No direct air exchange with the room.
- Fume Hood — Open-front enclosure with ducted exhaust. Protects the user from chemical vapors but does not control the internal atmosphere.
- Biological Safety Cabinet — HEPA-filtered enclosure. Protects user, product, and environment from biological hazards. Not sealed — air flows in and out through HEPA filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a laboratory glove box cost?
Basic benchtop glove boxes start at $2,000-$5,000. Research-grade inert gas glove boxes with gas purification systems typically cost $20,000-$60,000. Large custom systems with integrated equipment can exceed $100,000. Contact Labs USA for a quote specific to your needs.
What glove materials are available?
Common glove box glove materials include butyl rubber (general purpose, good chemical resistance), Hypalon (excellent acid/solvent resistance), neoprene (moderate chemical resistance, good dexterity), and polyurethane (high dexterity, limited chemical resistance). The right choice depends on the chemicals you’re handling.
How do you maintain an inert atmosphere in a glove box?
Inert atmosphere glove boxes use a gas purification system that continuously removes oxygen and moisture from the internal atmosphere, maintaining levels below 1 ppm (parts per million). The system circulates the gas through catalytic columns that absorb O₂ and H₂O. Regular regeneration of the purifier columns is required.
Need a glove box for your lab? Call (801) 717-8834 or request a quote. We supply and configure glove boxes for research, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.