Key Benefits
- Series for every tier — UV-1900i for routine QC, UV-2600i/2700i for research and compliance, UV-3600i Plus for NIR and high-performance materials work
- Multi-technique coverage — UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy from a single vendor simplifies procurement and training
- Pharmacopoeia compliance — double-beam models validated for USP, EP, and JP with built-in compliance tools and 21 CFR Part 11 support
- Versatile accessories — integrating spheres, fibre optic probes, temperature-controlled holders, and micro-volume accessories available across models
Overview
Shimadzu's UV-Vis spectrophotometer range spans four main series, each optimised for a different tier of requirement. The UV-1900i is a compact single-beam instrument suited to routine absorbance work and teaching labs. The UV-2600i and UV-2700i are double-beam systems offering superior baseline stability and photometric performance for research and pharmacopoeia compliance. The UV-3600i Plus extends measurement into the near-infrared — covering 185 to 3300 nm with three detectors — for materials science, thin film, and optical coating work where UV-Vis alone is insufficient.
Beyond UV-Vis-NIR, Shimadzu's spectroscopy portfolio includes FTIR models for molecular identification, fluorescence spectrophotometers for trace-level detection, and Raman spectrometers for non-destructive material analysis. This breadth allows laboratories to standardise on a single vendor across their spectroscopy requirements.
All instruments are supported by Shimadzu's LabSolutions UV-Vis and LabSolutions IR software platforms, with pharmacopoeia compliance tools and optional 21 CFR Part 11 / ER/ES compliance packs. Walker Scientific provides the complete spectroscopy range with local support across Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.
Key Features
- UV-1900i: single-beam, 190–1100 nm, compact benchtop
- UV-2600i: double-beam, 190–1400 nm, variable NIR extension
- UV-2700i: double-beam, 190–1100 nm, high-resolution 0.1 nm bandwidth
- UV-3600i Plus: double-beam, 185–3300 nm, three-detector UV-Vis-NIR
- FTIR spectrophotometers (IRSpirit, IRTracer series) also available
- Fluorescence spectrophotometers and Raman spectrometers available
- LabSolutions UV-Vis and LabSolutions IR software
- Pharmacopoeia compliance (USP, EP, JP) on double-beam models
- 21 CFR Part 11 / ER/ES compliance packs available
- Extensive accessory range (integrating spheres, fibre optics, temperature control)
Typical Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC and pharmacopoeia compliance testing
- Materials science and thin film characterisation
- Environmental water quality analysis
- Academic research and teaching laboratories
- Life sciences and protein quantitation
- Colour measurement and quality control
- Chemical identification and purity testing
- Semiconductor and optical materials characterisation
Specifications
| UV-1900i — Range | 190–1100 nm (single-beam) |
|---|---|
| UV-1900i — Bandwidth | 1 nm |
| UV-2600i — Range | 190–1400 nm (double-beam, NIR ext. optional) |
| UV-2600i — Bandwidth | 1 nm |
| UV-2700i — Range | 190–1100 nm (double-beam) |
| UV-2700i — Bandwidth | 0.1 nm (variable) |
| UV-3600i Plus — Range | 185–3300 nm (double-beam, 3 detectors) |
| UV-3600i Plus — Bandwidth | 0.1 nm (variable) |
| Software | LabSolutions UV-Vis |
| Compliance | USP, EP, JP; 21 CFR Part 11 / ER/ES (optional) |
| Additional techniques | FTIR, fluorescence, Raman (separate instruments) |
Which model series do you need?
Shimadzu UV-Vis spectrophotometers span four main series. Use these criteria to identify the right starting point, then contact Walker Scientific for final model selection.
- Routine absorbance and quantitation
- Teaching and student labs
- General QC where NIR is not required
- Compact footprint, lower budget
- Research requiring stable baseline
- Pharmacopoeia methods (USP, EP, JP)
- Kinetics, time-course measurements
- Extends to NIR with optional detector
- High-resolution spectral work
- Low stray light requirements
- Demanding pharmaceutical QC
- Where resolution matters more than NIR range
- Thin films and optical coatings
- Semiconductor and solar cell materials
- Polymers and solid-state characterisation
- Any application requiring NIR above 1100 nm
Not sure which model fits your application? Contact Walker Scientific — we'll recommend the right configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-beam and double-beam spectrophotometers?
A single-beam instrument (like the UV-1900i) measures sample and reference sequentially, making it simple and cost-effective for routine work. A double-beam instrument (UV-2600i, UV-2700i, UV-3600i Plus) splits the beam and measures sample and reference simultaneously, providing significantly better baseline stability, lower drift, and more accurate kinetic measurements. Double-beam instruments are preferred for research, pharmacopoeia compliance, and any application where long-term baseline stability matters.
Do I need the UV-3600i Plus, or will a UV-2600i cover my application?
If all your measurements are in the UV-Vis range (190–1100 nm), the UV-2600i or UV-2700i will cover your requirements. The UV-3600i Plus is needed when you must measure above 1100 nm — for thin films, optical coatings, semiconductors, polymers, or any material characterisation requiring the near-infrared range up to 3300 nm. The UV-2600i can extend to ~1400 nm with an optional NIR detector, which is sufficient for some applications. Contact Walker Scientific if you're unsure.
Are the spectrophotometers suitable for pharmaceutical compliance?
Yes. The double-beam models (UV-2600i, UV-2700i, UV-3600i Plus) are validated for USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeia methods. LabSolutions UV-Vis software includes built-in pharmacopoeia compliance tools and supports 21 CFR Part 11 / ER/ES requirements with optional compliance packs.
What other spectroscopy techniques does Shimadzu offer?
Beyond UV-Vis-NIR, Shimadzu supplies FTIR spectrophotometers (IRSpirit and IRTracer series) for molecular identification, fluorescence spectrophotometers for trace-level detection, and Raman spectrometers for non-destructive material analysis. Walker Scientific can supply the complete Shimadzu spectroscopy range.
What accessories are available?
Shimadzu offers an extensive accessory range including integrating spheres for diffuse reflectance and transmittance, fibre optic probes for remote or in-situ measurement, temperature-controlled cell holders, multi-cell changers for automated sample throughput, and micro-volume accessories for precious samples.
Ready to discuss the UV-Vis-NIR?
Talk to our team about specifications, pricing, and availability for your application.