In the intricate world of scientific instrumentation, precision and innovation are paramount. For over a century, Prior Scientific has stood at the forefront of microscope innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower researchers globally.

A Century of Scientific Excellence

Prior Scientific has more than 100 years of experience in designing and manufacturing precision optical and electromechanical equipment and instrumentation.

We have established ourselves as a premier provider of microscope automation systems and are defined by an unwavering commitment to precision engineering and customizable solutions.

Our Mission

We understand that every problem requires a unique approach. Our team works closely with customers and partners to identify their specific needs and design a cost-effective and tailored solution that meets their unique requirements. We continue to push scientific boundaries and constantly build on and improve our expertise in automated precision optical and mechanical systems.

Customizable Automation at our Core

Our customers value our ability to create custom solutions for their unique research challenges.

We work closely with our partners and customers to develop customized optical and automation systems for a variety of requirements and applications.

With integrated design and manufacturing facilities we seamlessly transition from concept to production. Typical applications for our products are found in photonics, life science research, material science, nanotechnology, medical devices, metrology, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Our OEM offerings encompass a wide range of products that go beyond standard instrumentation:

• Motorized XY Stages: Precision-engineered platforms that provide researchers with unprecedented control over sample positioning, enabling more accurate and reproducible experiments.
• OpenStand platform: A flexible and fully customizable working system suitable for optical microscopy and imaging to start developing your application immediately. OpenStand is an ideal development platform for testing and proving novel optical techniques or imaging automation. It offers OEMs a cost-effective and fast route to prototyping, testing, and production, reducing the crucial time to market. 
• Laser Autofocus: A combination of advanced optics and intelligent microprocessing that provides a real-time focus system for infinity-corrected optical systems, ideal for industrial and life science microscopy. 
• Robotic Sample Handling: Advanced systems that automate complex research processes, reducing manual intervention and increasing experimental efficiency. 
• Collaborative Design Approach: Prior works closely with OEM clients, transforming specific research needs into highly specialized microscopy solutions. 

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Our dedication to excellence is more than just a promise - we ensure that every product meets the most stringent quality standards.

We design, develop, and manufacture products in our UK and USA facilities which are both ISO 9001:2015 certified. Our UK manufacturing locations are also certified to ISO 14001:2015 (Environment) and ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety).

These certifications are not merely a badge but a testament to our rigorous approach to engineering and customer satisfaction.

CoolLED: LED Illumination Systems

While Prior Scientific and CoolLED operate in different segments of the market, our complementary strengths mean we can offer powerful solutions to enhance modern microscopy.

CoolLED introduced the first commercially available LED illumination system for fluorescence microscopy in 2006.

The company is known for its range of products LED light sources that feature a broad spectrum from 340 to 770 nm, enabling researchers to capture high-quality images with remarkable precision. These systems are designed for easy integration with a variety of imaging applications, providing:

• Customizable Configurations: With options for direct fit or liquid light guide delivery, CoolLED light sources can be tailored to meet specific system requirements.
• Unmatched Performance: CoolLED’s LED systems offer instant on/off functionality, reduced heat output, and extended lifetimes, all while minimizing the risk of phototoxicity and ensuring consistent results.
• User-Friendly Control: Featuring intuitive control interfaces, researchers can manage light intensity with precision to facilitate complex imaging techniques and enhancing workflow efficiency.

Complementary Technologies

CoolLED's LED light sources, with their broad spectral range and precise control, integrate seamlessly with Prior's automated stages. This combination offers researchers:

• Enhanced imaging capabilities – Prior’s motorized stages provide precise control over sample positioning for studying fluorescent proteins, investigating cellular structures, or conducting high-speed imaging. When combined with consistent and tailored illumination, researchers can quickly optimize image quality without the need for extensive manual adjustments.
• Increased experimental efficiency - Both Prior’s and CoolLED’s automated solutions are highly customizable, allowing users to adapt the systems to meet their specific research requirements. For example, researchers can configure our robotic sample handling solutions with LED systems to facilitate high-throughput screening in drug discovery or other applications. This integration enables laboratories to automate processes that traditionally required manual intervention, increasing efficiency and throughput.

Sustainability and Future-Focused Design

Prior Scientific's commitment extends beyond technological innovation to embrace sustainable practices. Our manufacturing processes emphasize:

• Energy efficiency
• Reduced environmental impact
• Long-term reliability of scientific instrumentation

Our automated solutions mean laboratories can create workflows that both improve research outcomes and support environmentally responsible practices.

CoolLED are also committed to sustainability efforts with energy efficient LED light sources that use less energy, have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional light sources, and eliminate the need for hazardous materials like mercury.

Our shared commitment supports the scientific community's growing emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Discover More

For researchers and OEM partners looking to enhance their applications with unparalleled microscopy automation solutions, contact Prior Scientific today to find out how we can support your contract manufacturing and production needs. 

The OEM Network is an online resource where you can find Prior Scientific’s components, along with other suppliers, in Life Sciences, Material Science, Clinical Science, and more. 

To explore how Prior Scientific can transform your research capabilities, visit our website and discover the future of microscopy automation.

For more information about CoolLED’s range of LED illumination systems and how they can complement your microscopy solutions, visit the CoolLED website.