Graduated Cylinders
Plastic graduated cylinders are essential lab supplies used for measuring liquid volumes with varying degrees of accuracy. Unlike glass cylinders, plastic versions are lightweight, shatter-resistant, and often more affordable, making them ideal for educational settings, fieldwork, and environments where breakage is a concern. They are commonly made from polypropylene (PP) or polymethylpentene (PMP), both of which offer excellent chemical resistance and durability. Plastic graduated cylinders are widely used in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and industrial laboratories for measuring reagents, preparing solutions, and conducting experiments where volumetric accuracy is essential.
Graduated measuring cylinders are classified based on their accuracy, with Class A and Class B being the most recognized standards. Class A cylinders provide higher precision and tighter tolerance limits, making them suitable for analytical and research applications that require exact measurements. Class B cylinders, while still reliable, have looser tolerances and are typically used in general laboratory procedures where absolute precision is not critical. A "to-contain" (TC) cylinder holds the specified volume of liquid but may leave residue when poured out, whereas a "to-deliver" (TD) cylinder is calibrated to account for the liquid that remains in the container after dispensing.