ROBU (now STEREON Glassfilters GmbH) is a premier German manufacturer specializing in high-quality sintered glass filters and glass filter apparatus, headquartered in Hattert. Since its founding in 1987, the company has spent nearly four decades fulfilling its mission to provide "Precision Glass Filter Technology," becoming an internationally recognized partner for laboratories and industrial plants. ROBU is internationally renowned for its VitraPOR® brand, which encompasses an extensive range of sintered filters made from pure borosilicate glass 3.3 and quartz glass. By utilizing unique laser-controlled manufacturing and automated sintering processes, the brand ensures that its filters offer maximum chemical resistance, minimal thermal expansion, and precise porosity control from 1.0 µm to 500 µm. Today, as part of the QSIL Group, ROBU is an essential partner for the pharmaceutical, environmental, and chemical industries, delivering "Made in Germany" excellence that ensures total reliability in separation and gas distribution processes.
The ROBU range at LabFriend features professional purification and filtration solutions, headlined by their VitraPOR® filter crucibles, funnels, and filter plates. These components are critical for gravity and vacuum filtration, providing a superior alternative to paper filters for the recovery of precipitates. For specialized chemical analysis, the brand provides advanced analytical measurement support through their range of gas washing bottles, absorption tubes, and COD reaction vessels designed for high thermal shock resistance. Their portfolio also encompasses essential chromatography tools, featuring specialized glass columns and immersion filters engineered for consistent flow rates. To support custom research setups, ROBU offers bespoke glass filter elements in almost any shape or size up to 450 mm in diameter. By choosing ROBU through LabFriend, you benefit from competitive pricing and fast shipping on premium sintered glass technology designed for professional longevity and accuracy.
Why Choose ROBU for Your Laboratory?
- Proprietary VitraPOR® Technology: ROBU’s sintered filters are engineered for high-precision pore size distribution, ensuring reproducible results in delicate filtration and gas distribution tasks.
- Superior Material Integrity: Manufactured from Borosilicate 3.3 glass, ROBU products are highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, and can withstand temperatures up to 540 °C.
- Unique Laser Manufacturing: ROBU utilizes specialized laser technology to manufacture glass appliances with a level of precision and consistency that is unique in the world.
- Vast Range of Porosities: From coarse filtration (Porosity 0) to ultra-fine filtration (Porosity 5), ROBU provides the exact pore size required for your specific analytical requirements.
- Sustainable & Recyclable: Unlike disposable filters, ROBU sintered glass products are designed for long-term reuse and are made from 100% recyclable technical glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to clean ROBU sintered glass filters?
For general cleaning, hot hydrochloric acid or a mixture of sulfuric acid and sodium nitrate is often effective. Always rinse thoroughly with deionized water. Avoid using hydrofluoric acid or strong hot alkalis, as these will attack the glass structure.
2. Can I use ROBU filter crucibles in a muffle furnace?
Yes, ROBU filter crucibles made of borosilicate glass 3.3 are highly heat-resistant. However, avoid sudden temperature shocks; always heat and cool the crucibles slowly to prevent cracking.
3. How do I choose the correct porosity for my application?
Porosity 1 (100–160 µm) is ideal for coarse filtration and gas distribution. Porosity 3 (16–40 µm) is the standard for analytical filtration, while Porosity 4 (10–16 µm) is used for very fine precipitates.
4. Are ROBU products compatible with standard laboratory setups?
Absolutely. ROBU glassware features standardized dimensions and ground glass joints (where applicable), ensuring they fit perfectly with your existing vacuum flasks, adapters, and manifolds.
