University laboratories are under growing pressure to do more with less, from advancing research to supporting teaching, all within tight budget constraints.
One of the most effective ways to make your limited funds go further is by rethinking how laboratory equipment and parts are sourced.
Below, we’ve included some tips to make your budget go further.
Stretching your budget often requires cost-saving solutions that don’t compromise on quality. One of the most effective options is to use reconditioned parts.
When reconditioned components are properly tested, such as through our in-house process, they can perform just as reliably and efficiently as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. In fact, switching to reconditioned parts can reduce costs in your university laboratory by up to 70% compared to buying new.
To learn more, visit our blog on buying reconditioned parts and benefits.
Reallocating resources from underused equipment to essential consumables or reagents can improve workflow efficiency without increasing costs.
Instead of replacing entire systems, universities can maximise the value of existing equipment by replacing high-wear components, such as pump seals, columns, filters and tubing.
Choosing certified aftermarket or reconditioned alternatives helps reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of existing instrumentation.
Skipping routine maintenance might save money in the short term, but it often leads to costly breakdowns and replacements. By investing in affordable maintenance plans or following basic upkeep routines, you can significantly reduce long-term equipment costs.
Regular servicing also reduces the risk of extended lab downtime, ensuring your analysis runs smoothly and your team works efficiently.
Our university servicing plans are designed and built around your needs, helping you stay ahead without overstretching budgets.
Explore our range of plans here.
Beyond individual skills, many university labs are seeing the benefits of sharing equipment across departments.
For example, the University of Leeds began opening access to its lab systems, which not only improved utilisation of existing resources but also uncovered underused features and expanded technical knowledge.
This collaborative approach strengthened collaborations between research groups across campus and gave teams access to specialised instrumentation that would otherwise be too costly to justify independently.
It’s a smart, cooperative strategy that stretches budgets while enriching the quality and scope of research.
Universities have a built-in advantage: a steady stream of skilled students and staff who can be trained in basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
Strengthening staff skills with affordable training opportunities enhances productivity and reduces reliance on costly external services.
LC Services supports this with expert support to help your in-house team handle minor issues before they become major problems.
Running a university lab on a tight budget is no small feat. But with the right support, it’s possible to maintain high-quality outputs without overspending.
At LC Services, we understand the unique demands that academic labs face, from balancing research and teaching to managing equipment. That’s why we offer tailored support through reliable reconditioned parts, flexible service plans and training that empowers your team.
We help minimise disruption with fast turnaround times on equipment, consumables, and replacement parts, so your lab stays productive and efficient.
How we can help you
Our exchange parts programme allows you to save money by purchasing fully reconditioned chromatography parts, instruments or PCBs, then sending us your faulty parts for credit or a refund of the difference.
It’s a simple, sustainable way to keep your equipment running without the high cost of replacements.
Explore our exchange parts programme
If your university lab needs high-quality reconditioned parts, backed by expert support and warranty protection, we’re here to help.
Plus, all universities receive 5% off all future orders placed online.
