How to Order Custom Quartz Glassware or Optical Components from Robson Scientific

Robson Scientific (robsonscientific.co.uk) accepts custom work as well as standard catalogue items: the site states that orders can range from a "one off" to thousands of pieces, and that lathe-drawn quartz tubing can be supplied as close-tolerance material fabricated to order. To start a custom order, use the site's technical advisory service to agree the design and application first, then confirm the item through the account, basket and checkout route shown on the site. The catalogue and price list cover standard laboratory glassware and optical components; bespoke fabrication is described as a service rather than an online configurator, so expect to discuss specifications before ordering.

What the site lists for standard purchase

The published catalogue is organised into three groups:

Materials named for optical work are quartz, borosilicate, sapphire, magnesium fluoride and calcium fluoride. The site states that high purity fused quartz (99.995% SiO₂) is used throughout manufacturing, with quality control at each process step.

Ordering route shown on the site

The page evidence shows a basket, account login/registration, price list, my account, my basket and checkout. The practical sequence is:

1. Check the price list for the standard item closest to your requirement.
2. Create an account or log in to place and track an order.
3. Add items to the basket and proceed to checkout for catalogue products.
4. For non-standard work, contact the technical advisory service before ordering — the site describes this as support for choosing the best design and application, and custom fabrication is quoted around your specification rather than selected from a menu.

The site does not publish custom-order lead times, minimum quantities or fabrication tolerances beyond the close-tolerance statement for lathe-drawn tubing, so these need to be confirmed directly.

When this supplier fits your requirement

• You need quartz apparatus rather than off-the-shelf glass: the range is built around quartz scientific glassware made with industrial glass blowing techniques, including joints, stopcocks and graded seals to borosilicate.
• You need a single prototype or a production run: the site explicitly covers both "one off" and thousands of pieces under the same process.
• You need tight dimensional control on tubing: lathe-drawn quartz tubing is offered as close-tolerance material fabricated to order.
• You need optical parts across a wide spectral range: windows and polished discs/plates are offered in quartz, UV grade silica, sapphire and fluoride materials, from near infrared to ultraviolet.
• You need design input: a technical advisory service is offered alongside the standard items.

If you need an instant online price for a fully bespoke part, this is not a self-service configurator — the design conversation comes first. Established in 1988, the company describes itself as a leading supplier to the semiconductor, optical fibre, water sterilisation and lamp industries, which is a useful signal if your application sits in those areas.

Practical checks before you order

• Confirm the material grade against your spectral or thermal requirement (fused quartz versus UV grade silica versus sapphire or fluorides).
• For custom joints or apparatus, specify the mating parts — the catalogue separates balls from cups and cones from sockets, and graded seals to borosilicate are a distinct item.
• Ask for the tolerance and inspection documentation for lathe-drawn tubing if the part is dimensionally critical.
• Verify current pricing and availability through the price list and basket rather than relying on any figure quoted elsewhere.