Blog

DSC Buying Tips: What to Look for in a Used Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Why DSC is a workhorse in polymers & plastics

DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) is one of the most useful instruments in polymer analysis because it supports:

• melting temperature (Tm)
• glass transition (Tg)
• crystallization behavior
• oxidation induction time (OIT) (method-dependent)
• cure behavior for thermosets and adhesives

For many plastics labs, DSC is the fastest way to assess whether a material is:

• consistent lot-to-lot
• properly crystallized
• degraded or contaminated

Buying used can be a great value, if you know what to check.

The used DSC checklist (what matters most)

1) Cell condition: the heart of the instrument

The DSC cell should be:

• clean, corrosion-free
• free of residue buildup
• mechanically intact (no warped surfaces)

Red flags

• heavy oxidation/corrosion
• evidence of contamination in the cell well
• damaged sensor area

Cell issues can create baseline drift, noise, and poor repeatability.

2) Sensor health and baseline stability

Ask for evidence of:

• stable baseline (noise and drift)
• repeatable calibration behavior
• consistent peak shape on standard materials

If possible, request:

• a recent calibration report or performance check
• representative DSC runs from known standards

3) Cooling accessories: the most common “missing piece”

Many DSC applications in polymers require cooling capacity for:

• controlled crystallization
• low-temperature transitions
• repeatable ramp rates

Confirm whether the unit includes:

• cooling system (and its type)
• necessary lines, fittings, and controllers
• the correct configuration for your temperature range

If cooling is missing or incompatible, your method capability can be limited.

4) Purge gas setup and flow control

DSC performance depends heavily on:

• purge gas type (often nitrogen)
• stable flow control
• correct plumbing and regulators

Confirm the instrument includes or supports:

• flow control hardware
• correct fittings
• documentation for setup

5) Software and connectivity (don’t ignore this)

Used DSC purchases often stumble on software:

• license availability
• OS compatibility
• data export and method storage

Ask:

• what software version is included
• whether licensing transfer is possible
• whether the PC is included or required

6) Consumables and sample pans

Confirm availability for:

• sample pans (aluminum, hermetic, etc.)
• lids and crimpers
• reference pans

If you run OIT or volatile samples, you may need specific pan types.

Methods-based buying: match DSC capability to your goals

Common plastics lab DSC goals:

• Tg measurement (needs baseline stability and suitable temp range)
• crystallization kinetics (benefits from good cooling)
• melting behavior (peak integrity and calibration matter)

If your lab focuses on semicrystalline polymers (PP, PE, PET, nylon), cooling becomes more important for consistent crystallization behavior.

Questions to ask before buying used

• What was the DSC used for? (polymers, pharma, etc.)
• Any corrosive samples or reactive chemistry?
• Calibration history?
• Included accessories: cooling, purge, pans, crimper, software?
• Can you provide a sample thermogram from standards?

Explore our inventory.

Bottom line

A used DSC can deliver excellent value, but only if you verify:

• clean, stable cell + baseline
• cooling capability aligned to your methods
• software and documentation are complete

Let us help
Tell HiTechTrader the polymers you test, your temperature range, and whether you need cooling for crystallization work. We can help match a used DSC configuration that supports your methods—and avoid costly missing accessories. Click here to contact HiTechTrader.