Flake Ice Makers

Laboratory Ice Machines

What is a laboratory ice-making machine?

A laboratory-making machine refers to any device used in labs to perform specific functions, such as ice-making machines, mixers, or equipment used in chemical or biological processes. These machines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of scientific work, such as providing controlled temperatures, consistent results, and reliable performance. Laboratory Equipment Company offers a wide range of these essential machines to support research, testing, and production activities in various scientific and industrial fields.

What is a flake ice maker?

A flake ice maker is a type of ice machine designed to produce flake ice, which is a soft, granular ice often used in labs and medical facilities for cooling, storing, and preserving sensitive materials. Flake ice is the preferred ice for laboratories, blood banks, clinical labs, biotechs, and medical research because:

• -  it has a high surface area of flake ice chills quickly, maintains samples at desired temperature

• -  it holds test tubes and lab vials securely, even when ice is melting

• -  it molds well in ice bag and rehab applications for best skin contact and swelling control

Laboratory Equipment Company provides high-quality flake ice makers with features such as built-in storage bins and automated cleaning systems for easy maintenance.

What are the guidelines to follow when using a lab ice machine?

When using a lab ice machine, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety and maintain the longevity of the equipment:
* Ensure proper installation and use of the correct power supply.
* Regularly clean and sanitize the machine to avoid contamination and ensure healthy operation and longevity
* Follow manufacturer instructions regarding water temperature, pressure, and ambient conditions to avoid malfunctions
* Ensure that the machine is regularly serviced, as this will  improve its efficiency and lifespan.

What are the different types of flake ice?

There are two main types of flake ice:
* Dry flake ice – This type is the most commonly used in laboratories as it has a lower moisture content and is preferred for sensitive samples.
* Wet flake ice – Slightly wetter, this type is useful for applications where moisture isn’t as much of a concern

How do you make ice in a lab?

In a laboratory setting, ice is often made using a flake ice maker, a specialized machine that produces ice flakes in a controlled environment. This process typically involves cooling water below freezing temperatures, then breaking it into flakes. 

With the flaker family, the ice is formed by using a cylinder shaped evaporator and an auger that scrapes the inside perimeter of the cylinder where ice particles are formed as the evaporator cools the water. The auger moves the ice particles up to the top of the cylinder where a cutter head creates the flakes as the auger pushes through and then the flakes fall through a shoot into the storage area.

Cubelet style  ice is not typically used for laboratory applications.The difference between the flaked and a cubelet style ice is the cutter head at the top of the auger. For the cubelet stye the cutter has more space between the blades on the cutter, and the ice that is formed is pressed together by the motion of the cutter head forming “nugget” style or cubelet ice. This ice is often termed as “chewable”, “nugget”,”pearl”.. etc.. and while pliable, flake is preferred for scientific applications.

Flake ice machines, such as those offered by Laboratory Equipment Company, can produce large quantities of ic