Beakers (Euro Design, TPX)

Quick Answer: Euro design TPX beakers are transparent plastic beakers moulded from TPX, a trade name for polymethylpentene (PMP), with a spout and volume scale. A TPX beaker combines near glass-like clarity with lower weight than glass and more heat tolerance than polypropylene.

Polymethylpentene: A Clear Plastic with Limits

Polymethylpentene is one of the lightest commercial plastics and is valued for its transparency, so contents can be seen almost as clearly as through glass. That makes this version of the Euro design useful when students must watch a colour change, a precipitate forming or two layers separating, all of which are hard to judge through translucent polypropylene.

PMP also holds its shape at higher temperatures than polypropylene and is generally autoclavable, which suits media preparation and repeated sterilisation. Its weak points are impact and certain solvents: it is more brittle than PP, particularly when cold, and it swells in hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. For rough handling, the Euro design PP beaker in the same shape is more robust; for direct heating, a low form borosilicate glass beaker is still required.

Specifications

Applications

• Class demonstrations of precipitation and indicator colour changes that must be visible from the back of the room
• Preparing and autoclaving culture media or buffers in microbiology labs
• Inspecting water samples for turbidity, colour or sediment
• Rooms with glass-free policies where contents still need to be seen clearly

Care & Handling

• Treat the TPX beaker more like glass than like polypropylene: avoid drops and knocks, especially straight after refrigeration.
• Store beakers upright and apart rather than packed tightly, to avoid surface scratches.
• Let autoclaved beakers cool inside the chamber, since PMP is softer while hot.
• Check the item’s rated maximum temperature before autoclaving or filling with very hot liquids.

Why Choose LabEquip

Microbiology labs and teachers who run visual demonstrations tend to pick TPX over PP for its clarity. LabEquip includes these beakers in the Lab Glassware range; list the capacities you need on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TPX and how does it compare with PP?

TPX is a trade name for polymethylpentene (PMP). Compared with polypropylene it is much more transparent, lighter and tolerates higher temperatures, but it is more brittle and less resistant to hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents.

Can TPX replace glass beakers?

For viewing and room-temperature work it is a useful substitute, since it is clear and breaks far less readily than glass. It cannot replace glass for heating on a flame or hot plate, or for work with solvents such as toluene and chloroform.

Can these beakers be autoclaved repeatedly?

PMP is generally autoclavable, and tolerance of repeated cycles is a common reason for choosing it. Stand the beakers upright, cover them loosely and let them cool before handling. Replace any that craze or crack.

Why did my TPX beaker crack when it was dropped?

Polymethylpentene is stiffer and more brittle than polypropylene, and it becomes more brittle when cold. A drop that a PP beaker survives can crack a PMP one, so store them where they cannot fall and handle chilled beakers carefully.

Which chemicals are compatible with PMP?

Aqueous acids, alkalis, salt solutions and alcohols are generally compatible at room temperature. Avoid aromatic and chlorinated solvents, petrol-type hydrocarbons and strong oxidising agents, which can swell, craze or weaken the plastic.

How do I keep a PMP beaker clear?

Wash with mild detergent and a soft sponge, never scouring pads or abrasive powder, because scratches scatter light and make the wall look cloudy. Rinse with deionised water and let it air dry to avoid mineral spots.

Last Updated: September 2026