Used Spectrophotometers for Sale

Why Choose Used Spectrophotometers? Applications and Benefits

Spectrophotometers are some of the most common pieces of laboratory equipment. Their popularity owes to the fact that spectrophotometry is a widely applicable technique used in both research and clinical processes. Fundamentally, spectrophotometers are instruments that measure the intensity and wavelength of light passing through a sample. Their three core components – the spectrometer, photometer, and diffraction grating – work together to facilitate this. 

This instrument produces light across a defined range of wavelengths. The light meets the diffraction grating, which separates it into its component wavelengths. Each wavelength is directed toward the sample, where most of it is absorbed and only a small slice passes through. The photometer then detects the amount of absorbed and unabsorbed light for each wavelength and records the results.

Spectrophotometers are used across many fields for a wide range of applications. They are critical instruments in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, pharmaceuticals and materials science. Some of the key applications of spectrophotometers include:

• Enzyme kinetics: These instruments are used in chemistry and biochemistry to study enzyme reactions. They help monitor changes in absorbance or transmission as the reaction progresses.
• Dissolved oxygen measurement: Spectrophotometers can help determine dissolved oxygen levels in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
• Drug-protein interactions: They can be used to understand drug efficacy and safety by studying how drugs interact with proteins.

Buying used and refurbished spectrophotometers allows you to source these critical instruments at a fraction of the cost. Spectrophotometers are an area of expertise for our technical staff here at New Life Scientific. Our in-house technicians diagnose, test and repair each unit to confirm it yields accurate measurements, providing transparent descriptions for spectrophotometer listings and sales.

Our wide variety of used lab equipment for sale offers up to 95% in savings compared to new units. We back our products with a convenient warranty to provide you with the best instrument possible for your operations and peace of mind.

View our articles about spectrophotometers

Types of Spectrophotometers

Spectrophotometers can be classified either by wavelength range, beam configuration or application. The most common types of spectrophotometers include:

UV-Visible or UV-Vis Spectrophotometers

These units can detect ultraviolet light (185 – 400 nm) through light visible to the human eye (400 – 700 nm). These spectrophotometers are widely used in chemistry and biology applications to analyze the concentration of substances in solutions.

Examples include the NanoDrop ND-8000 and the NanoDrop 2000 by Thermo Scientific.

Infrared (IR) Spectrophotometers

IR units measure the absorption of infrared light, operating in the 700 – 15,000 nm range. These spectrophotometers are suitable for studying molecular vibration and material structures for environmental monitoring and materials science applications.

Fluorescence Spectrophotometers

These spectrophotometers measure the fluorescence emitted by a substance after it absorbs light. It works by shining light onto a sample with a specific wavelength to measure the intensity and distribution of the emitted fluorescence.

Fluorescence spectrophotometers are used across fields, from biochemistry and photochemistry to diagnostics and environmental analysis. Some common applications of units like the Hitachi F-4500 include studying protein structure, detecting pollutants and contaminants in water and analyzing drug formulations.

Major Manufacturers

While there are many spectrophotometer manufacturers and models, we consistently update our listings with equipment from leading OEMs to ensure the best quality and parts availability possible. These would include:

Varian

Though it’s now owned by Agilent Technologies, Varian units are some of the most commonplace on the used market. They’re known for their Cary series, which are a favorite here in our tech shop due to their robust design and reliability.

Molecular Devices

Another familiar brand, Molecular Devices, manufactures the ongoing SpectraMax series. SpectraMax units are unique in that they typically have more features than many of their competitors in the same price bracket, such as microplate reading, incubation, and agitation.

Perkin Elmer

As one of the biggest names in biotech, it should come as no surprise that Perkin Elmer produces spectroscopy equipment alongside their other pursuits. Perkin Elmer offers both cuvette and plate spectroscopy readers through their Lambda and VICTOR series, respectively.

Thermo Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global provider of scientific instrumentation in the academic, government and industrial sectors. It acquired NanoDrop Technologies in 2007 and now offers a wide portfolio of microvolume ultraviolet-visible instruments for small sample volumes. 

Thermo Scientific

What to Look for in a Used Spectrophotometer

The unit you’ll need will depend on what your work demands, including essential features, specifications, and performance criteria. Some key considerations to find the right used Spectrophotometer for your application include:

• Warranty: Used equipment does not always come from reliable dealers. Some sellers may claim they “tested” a spectrophotometer when all they did was power it on. As such, it’s best to only buy units that are backed by an impressive warranty so your purchase is protected.
• Sample Format: Many spectrophotometers only support cuvette reading. While this is sufficient for many research labs, clinical labs with higher demand may require the ability to scan entire microplates. Additionally, some samples may require agitation or incubation for proper processing. You’ll need to have a firm idea of what your work demands in these regards before you start shopping.
• PC and Software: While there are some self-contained spectroscopy systems available, the vast majority of them require external computers and software to run. If you don’t already have software on hand, be prepared to either (A) find a used unit that does include those things, or (B) pay the manufacturer a decent chunk of change for a copy of the software.
• Lamp Health: Lamps are rather expensive consumables. You should be prepared to shell out cash for a new one, or take the time to find a unit that doesn't have many hours logged on its lamp. Lamp lifespans vary by model and manufacturer.

Contact Our Experts

Explore Our Used Spectrophotometer Listings Today

Here at NLS, we offer a fairly wide selection of tested and verified spectrophotometers. Combined with our lengthy warranty options and expert support, you can rest assured that our spectrophotometers will work well for you. 

As one of the first third-party dealers to use Holmium oxide standards, we offer deeper testing and service than many of our competitors while still maintaining competitive prices. Additionally, we make an effort to produce detailed and informative product descriptions so you’ll know exactly what you’re buying.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at cs@newlifescientific.com or give us a call at (567)-292-2752.

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