The IBO Design Awards for Laboratory Equipment recognize original and practical industrial design of laboratory equipment, defined as a laboratory apparatus that receives an electrical current, has a useful life of more than 12 months and does not measure a sample characteristic. Employed for day-to-day, routine laboratory functions, laboratory equipment must be easy to access and operate, as well as robust and reliable. Industrial design can accentuate these qualities and enhance the user’s experience.

The industrial designs of this year’s three winners communicate solid construction and attention to end-user satisfaction. Each product breaks with tradition to offer a new approach to established designs that update the instruments’ exterior and features. In doing so, the companies show their commitment to improving mature, routine techniques.

Gold Award

The 2010 IBO Gold Award for Laboratory Equipment Design goes to Steroglass’s Strike 300 Rotary Evaporator. The function of a rotary evaporator sets specific design constraints, but the Strike 300 stands out. The softened edges of the bath enclosure and central column modernize the design and add sophistication. The rounded edges of the handle for lifting the glassware and a touch-screen control panel further update the design. As Dr. Enrico Floridi, Export Sales manager for Steroglass, told IBO, “We wanted to create a modern instrument, not only in functionality, but also in design.”

The Strike 300 Rotary Evaporator measures 430 x 690 x 700 mm ( 16.9 x 27.2 x 27.6 in) and weighs 26.5 kg (58.4 lb). The list price is around €3,000 ($4,225). According to Dr. Floridi, the product took two years to develop and was created with the help of an outside designer. Design priorities included safety, a compact size and ease of use.

Features include a post on the side to hang the safety shield, a powered glassware lifter and vacuum sealing material that does not require maintenance and eliminates the need for gaskets. The Strike 300 is available in a vertical version to save space or a slanting version. “The glassware vertical configuration is a unique design made by us. We are also glassblowers,” said Dr. Floridi.

Silver Award

The 2010 IBO Silver Laboratory Equipment Design Award goes to Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies’ ELGA PURELAB flex Water Purification system. Eye catching and elegant, the PURELAB’s unique design is anchored by the flexible handheld dispenser, whose sleek appearance, bright color and ergonomic handset make one want to reach for it.

Water is dispensed by proportionate control using the button at the top of the handset. Purity, conductivity and total organic carbon are displayed on the handset as water is dispensed. The large display and simple interface make usage intuitive. The PURELAB flex measures 236 x 900 x 374 mm (9.3 x 35.4 x 14.7 in) and weighs 10 kg (22 lb). The height is adjustable to fit a container’s size. The system is also upgradable.

Bronze Award

VELP Scientifica’s DKL Digester Series is the winner of IBO’s 2010 Bronze Award for Laboratory Equipment Design. The DKL Series’s clean profile and harmonious design create a refined and distinct look.

The narrow footprint saves bench space. The smallest in the Series of five models, the DKL 8, measures 210 x 690 x 540 mm (8.3 x 27.2 x 21.3 in) and weighs 19.7 kg (43.4 lb). The prominent touch-screen display provides easy control and a large display. Features include an auto-suction cap to prevent the release of fumes and auto lift.