How to Choose an Acrylic Glove Box: Inert-Gas, Vacuum, or Custom

Choosing the right acrylic glove box comes down to a few key questions: what atmosphere do you need, what will you put inside, and how much working space do you require? This guide walks through the main decisions so you can pick the right configuration the first time.

1. Inert-gas, vacuum, or both?

The first decision is how you control the internal atmosphere.

  • Inert-gas purging displaces the air inside the chamber with nitrogen or argon through inlet and outlet valves, creating a low-oxygen, low-moisture environment. This is ideal for air- and moisture-sensitive samples, reactions, and assembly. See our inert-gas acrylic glove box.
  • Vacuum operation creates a controlled low-pressure environment (down to −0.1 MPa gauge) for processes that require vacuum. See our acrylic vacuum chamber.
  • Both — if you need to move samples in and out without breaking the controlled atmosphere, choose a glove box with a vacuum transition antechamber.

Important: a glove box labeled “non-vacuum” is designed for inert-gas purging only and must never be connected to a vacuum pump.

2. Size your working chamber

Measure the largest item you need to handle and add clearance for your gloved hands and movement. Our standard glove boxes range from 30×40×50 cm up to 120×70×70 cm, and vacuum chambers from 300 mm up to 600 mm. When in doubt, size up — cramped chambers slow down delicate work.

3. Gloves, ports, and accessories

Consider how many access points and pass-throughs you need, and whether you require additional ports for cables, gas lines, or instrumentation. You can also add temperature and humidity control modules to maintain precise internal conditions.

4. When to go custom

If your dimensions, port layout, or configuration aren’t covered by a standard model, we build to order. Custom glove boxes and vacuum chambers are made to your exact internal working dimensions with the openings, valves, and pass-through chambers you specify. Start with our custom & made-to-order service.

Ordering, invoicing, and delivery

Every unit is fully crated for secure transportation, and an official invoice can be provided on request. For custom builds, we confirm specifications, price, and lead time before production begins.

Have questions or need a quote? Email support@acryllab.com or visit our FAQ.