Moulded vs. Tubular Vials: Understanding the Differences

Vials are essential containers that store and handle liquids, samples, and reagents, making their reliability crucial for various scientific processes. In laboratory science and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the quality and type of vial used can significantly impact the accuracy of results. Poor-quality vials can lead to contamination, inaccurate measurements, and compromised sample integrity. This comprehensive guide explores the key differences between tubular vials vs moulded vials and the advantages of tubular vials over moulded vials, shedding light on why choosing the right type of vial is crucial for various applications in drug development and biomedical research.

What are Moulded Vials?

Moulded vials are created by melting glass and blowing it into moulds to achieve the desired shape and size. This method produces vials with variable wall thickness and may result in inconsistencies in the vial structure. Moulded vials are commonly used in applications where high precision and uniformity are less critical.

What are Tubular Vials?

Tubular vials, on the other hand, are manufactured by drawing glass tubing to the specified dimensions and cutting it into pieces. These vials are known for their uniform wall thickness and high precision. Due to their enhanced durability and resistance to thermal shock, they are preferred in scientific and medical applications.

How Do Tubular Vials Differ from Moulded Vials?

The fundamental differences between tubular vials vs moulded vials lie in their manufacturing processes and the resultant product quality. Tubular vials provide consistent wall thickness, which is crucial for high-precision applications, unlike moulded vials, which can vary. Tubular vials have fewer interactions with chemicals stored within due to their smoother surface and cleaner manufacturing process.

What Type of Glass Is Used in Tubular and Moulded Vials?

Both tubular and moulded vials are made from borosilicate glass, USP type 1, clear or amber-coloured, which offers excellent thermal and chemical stability. However, Tubular vials benefit particularly from the high-quality borosilicate glass due to their manufacturing process, which enhances their chemical durability and performance. At Borosil Scientific, 100% Schott Glass tubing is used to ensure the best quality products for our customers.

Advantages of Tubular Vials Over Moulded Vials

Tubular vials offer several advantages that make them superior for critical environments. Some of these include –

• Improved Consistency and Reliability: The consistent dimensions of tubular vials ensure that they perform reliably in automated equipment.
• Enhanced Safety: The structure of tubular vials ensures safer handling and storage of hazardous or sensitive substances.
• Better Chemical Resistance: The high-quality glass used in tubular vials offers better resistance to aggressive chemicals, making them suitable for storing volatile organic compounds or corrosive chemicals.

Choosing the Right Type of Vial for Your Needs

When selecting a vial for laboratory use or pharmaceutical applications, consider the following:

• Lyophilisation: Tubular glass vials are better suited for lyophilisation (freeze drying) than moulded glass vials because they provide more consistent heat transfer. Tubular vials have a thinner, flatter base and uniformly smooth walls, which allows for better thermal transfer.
• Clarity: Tubular vials have a thinner, more even wall structure for greater clarity. This makes it easier for visual inspection.
• Analytical Requirements: Tubular vials are generally preferable if your work involves high-precision measurements, including gas and high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Consistency: Tubular vials are made from long tubing sections of glass that are made to a specific body OD and wall thickness. This allows for a more consistently produced vial in appearance and fill capacity.
• Chemical Compatibility: Ensure the material of the vial is compatible with the chemicals being stored or tested. For instance, our VC20 – 20ML GC-HS VIAL & CLOSURE KIT is designed to handle volatile organic chemicals and corrosive substances due to its chemical inertness and mechanically stable structure.
• Energy efficiency: Energy consumption in depyrogenation and lyophilisation in tubular vials is much less than in moulded vials.
• Packaging and logistics cost: The secondary and tertiary packaging cost is lower in tubular vials than moulded. Also, due to the lower weight of tubular vials, the logistics costs, especially in air transport, are less.
• Regulatory Compliance: For pharmaceutical applications, compliance with regulations such as ISO standards for vial manufacturing might dictate the type of vial used. All our vials are manufactured in an ISO 15378 (GMP) certified plant, ensuring that every vial meets stringent quality and safety standards.

When Should You Choose Tubular vs. Moulded Vials?

• Use Tubular Vials: When accuracy, sample preservation, and chemical resistance are critical.
• Use Moulded Vials: When cost efficiency is more important than precision, and the substances involved are less sensitive.

Conclusion

Choosing between tubular vials vs moulded vials depends mainly on the specific needs of your laboratory or production process. Tubular vials, with their superior precision and consistency, are often the preferred choice in environments where every microliter counts. At Borosil Scientific, we understand the critical role of the suitable vial in scientific discovery and product safety. Our range of high-quality tubular vials meets the stringent demands of modern laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. This ensures that your scientific and manufacturing processes lead to accurate and reliable outcomes. Explore our options today to find the perfect solution for your needs.