In a lab environment, a laboratory workbench is a workstation tabletop that offers room and a surface for conducting experiments and tasks, storing scientific equipment, and creating workstations for professionals or academics. Since water and fuel supplies are either close by or integrated into the bench, worktops are usually composed of an inert substance. Based on the customer's specific needs, a lab workbench top can be constructed from a variety of materials. Chemical resistant laminate, epoxy resin, and stainless steel are just a few examples of different surface materials. (Information source: https://www.rdm-ind.com/)
Different types of lab workbench surfaces
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin table tops are created by combining several materials and curing them into a strong continuous product. Epoxy benchtops are also stylish, durable, and affordable. Epoxy bench surfaces provide a clean look that fits nicely with both contemporary and traditional laboratories.
The epoxy bench top's quality is typically a deciding factor in how well it works. A high-quality epoxy workbench surface will offer you years of efficiency with minimum repair and maintenance. It is also non-porous and waterproof, making it ideal for usage near sinks and other high-moisture settings. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals, doesn't discolour, and only blisters and cracks under harsh circumstances. After years of usage, these surfaces can withstand hammering and still appear new.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin shares 90% of the qualities of epoxy resin at a small fraction of the cost. Phenolic resin workbench surfaces are lighter, durable, long-lasting, chemically stable, moisture-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and fungus-resistant. Phenolic resin is an excellent alternative for a variety of laboratory conditions where steady heat up to 350°F is present. Phenolic resin bench surfaces are an appropriate solution for settings where lab activities must be carried out in a contamination-free manner.
Due to the wide range of substances used in research, workbench surfaces in these sorts of laboratories must be composed of materials that can endure spillage, scratches, abrasions, and cracking. Such tabletops will retain your lab looking clean and functioning properly for many years ahead. When opposed to epoxy, phenolic resin is a much easier substance to deal with in terms of production and customising. Because it is widely available, project lead times are also shortened.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is extremely durable, robust, and returns to its original shape over years. It is also extremely resistant to significant impact and damage, and its sturdiness is retained across a broad range of temperatures of up to 1400 degrees F. Stainless steel, apart from wood, grooved plastic, as well as other metallic alloys, keeps a smooth and level surface with ease. As long as the steel is maintained properly, it will have very few grooves, fissures, and cracks, making it much simpler to maintain cleanliness since dirt, dust, and germs will have fewer possibilities to accumulate on the surface.
High-Density Polyethylene
HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer with a changeable crystalline structure and a wide range of applications. High-density polyethylene is among the most frequently used polymers on the globe, with millions of tonnes manufactured each year. Polyethylene is available in a number of different forms, each of which is best adapted for a certain set of uses. High-density polyethylene, on average, is significantly more crystalline than low-density polyethylene and can be employed in a range of applications.
Maple Wood
Maple wood block's appeal originates from its clean and shiny exterior with few grains, but it's also a preferred option for lab conditions due to its inherent strength. The Janka strength of a maple wood block is 1450 lbs., which is greater than other types of wood and indicates how robust and long-lasting maple hardwood is. In terms of aesthetics, maple wood is rather difficult to top. Maple comes in a range of colours, including beige, reds, browns, and chromatic greys, which adds to its appeal. Furthermore, owing to their low grain, maple woodblocks have a neat and shiny aesthetic as well.
Factors to look for when choosing a lab bench
While common aspects like durability, adjustability and stability are necessary to consider before buying a workbench – here are the top 3 factors that we often overlook at times.
Storage area
Opt for workbenches with the sort of surface you want as well as storage selections for your stationery, equipment, packaging supplies, and other objects. This not only makes it easy to reach the items while working, but it also provides the bench with other functions. Benches with overhead shelves, built-in storage, and various storage options are a great alternative to choose from.
Mobility
Ergonomics are important since they are a prerequisite for both safety and performance. In order to select the best work surface level for standing, you must first examine the sort of job to be done. Adjustable benches are more useful if the laboratory will be used by multiple shifts of personnel since they can modify bench height using a sliding leg, a crank, or a motor drive.
A fixed workbench is only worthwhile to purchase if it will be utilised for a certain sort of operation that does not require the bench to be moved about, similar to the adjustability aspect. However, due to the nature of workflows, it is frequently necessary to move various instruments that are not constrained by space.
Compatible for accessories
Various experiments necessitate the use of several accessories, and your workstation must be able to handle the instruments you'll need for different projects. There are ready-made benches that can achieve this, but if you require certain specs, consider getting these custom-made. In certain cases, preferably a reputable lab furniture provider can help you in finding the proper benches for your requirements.
Conclusion
The type and quality of the workbench you choose for your lab influences the productivity of your workplace drastically. Considering these factors is thus crucial before investing in a lab bench in order to maintain the workflow and increase the overall productivity of your lab.
