Melting Point Determination Apparatus

Melting Point Determination Apparatus

J. M. McCormick

Last Update: February 16, 2009

On/Off Switch Power Level Control Knob (click for Heating Curves) Thermometer Holder Sample Viewing Port Sample Stage (inside) Light Source Housing

The melting point determination apparatus used in many of our laboratories is shown above.  It is commonly known by the brand name of one manufacturer, Mel-Temp.  A rheostat (power level knob) controls the rate at which the sample is heated and the temperature that is ultimately reached.  The sample sits in the sample stage (obscured by the blue protective housing in the figure above) and can be viewed through a magnifying glass mounted on the side of the sample stage.  A thermometer is used to monitor the sample’s temperature (not shown above for clarity).  Click on the power control knob in the figure to learn more about setting the power level.