Laboratory Workbench

Laboratory workbench table tops may be constructed from a number of materials, depending on the distinctive customer requirements. Some surface types include self-edged laminate, edge-grained maple, composite resin wood, PVC-edged laminate, electrostatic dissipative laminate, chemical resistant laminate, epoxy resin, and stainless steel.

Considerations for Choosing a Laboratory Workbench

The choice of lab workbench for a lab work environment is important. They are the basis of every laboratory. The majority of the work will be done there; hence, it is important to have effective and functional workbenches for experiments and other lab-related tasks. Each laboratory has its own needs, and knowing options for choosing materials is critical.

• Durable: Workbench tops must be designed to endure the severities of a lab environment. They must be shock resistant, chemical resistant, and UV resistant.
• High Finish:The workbench top's finish must reflect light and be easy to clean.
• Non-toxic: It must be fully cured so that it is non-toxic and microbes cannot get inside and contaminate the bench tops. Microbes include germs, bacteria, molds, and mildew.
• Chemical Resistant: It must be resistant to chemicals and other harsh conditions, making it perfect for application in volatile environments. It must be non-conductive and flame resistant, making it ideal for labs that must observe fire combustion, safety, and toxicity regulations.
• Meets Lab Requirements:It must be an ideal option for lab experiments that require a contamination-free environment.
• Adjustable: Ideally, workbenches must be adjustable with a crank or electric mechanism and have a 'T' or 'C' leg design. They must have adequate space for knee placement (19 inches or 48 cm deep at least), and length should be at least 72 inches (182 cm). Overall, the workbench should be able to handle 750 pounds (340 kg) of weight.

Types of Laboratory Workbenches

The different types of laboratory workbenches include:

Epoxy Resin Lab Workbench

Epoxy resin workbench tops are made from various mixed materials and then preserved into a solid product. Regarding features and advantages, they are a solid choice for many labs. Epoxy workbench tops are also long-lasting, attractive, and cost-effective. Epoxy workbench tops have a sleek look which works well in traditional and modern labs. The benchtop's epoxy quality is often a contributing factor in its good performance. With the least maintenance and upkeep, a high-quality epoxy benchtop provides years of productivity.

Furthermore, this workbench is non-porous and resistant to moisture and water; therefore, it is mostly used around sinks and moist areas. It is also chemical and heat resistant, resistant to discoloration, and experiences cracking and blistering only under extreme conditions.

Phenolic Resin Workbench Tops

Phenolic resin contains 90% of the same characteristics that epoxy resin has but at a fraction of the price. Phenolic resin workbench tops are hard, light, long-lasting, and chemical resistant. They're also moisture resistant, fungus, and bacteria resistant. Phenolic resin is a good choice for various laboratory environments subjected to constant heat reaching up to 348.8 °F (176 °C). In addition, phenolic resin workbench tops are a great choice for environments in which lab experiments are to be completed in a contamination-free environment.

Workbenches in these types of lab environments are mainly vulnerable because of various chemicals utilized in experiments. They should be made of materials that can resist abrasions and scuffs, withstand spills, and withstand cracking. These workbench tops last many years, keeping laboratories looking clean and working smoothly. Compared to epoxy, phenolic resin is an easy material to manufacture and lends itself well to customization. Its ready availability results in short project lead times.

Stainless Steel Laboratory Workbench

Stainless steel has an unrivaled level of durability; it is very strong and retains its shape over time. It is also very resistant to structural damage and heavy impact. The steel's rigidity is preserved over an extensive temperature range up to roughly 1400 degrees Fahrenheit 760 °C). As a result, it can last a long time, and replacements are seldom necessary (with proper maintenance) except if the business needs new equipment to enlarge its capabilities.

Furthermore, unlike common materials like grooved plastic, wood, and various alloys, stainless steel effortlessly maintains an even and smooth surface. There will be very few crevices, cracks, and grooves in the steel as long as proper maintenance is upheld. Keeping the steel clean is very easy since there are fewer opportunities for dirt, dust, and bacteria to collect.

Maple Wood Block

The admiration for maple wood block comes from its lustrous and smooth appearance with few grains; additionally, due to its natural strength, it is a common choice for lab environments. Maple wood block has a score of 1450 lbs Janka hardness, which is higher than many kinds of wood. This score indicates how strong and long-lasting maple wood is.

Maple wood block is also a cost-effective surface because of its availability, and it comes in a number of grades and styles. As a result, finding the right one which meets both laboratory requirements and budget is not difficult.

ESD Workbench

Electrostatic discharge describes a sudden flow of electric charge between two charged objects and may happen due to contact, dielectric breakdown, or an electrical short. Because of the simple reason that it guides static electricity safely to the ground, ESD workbenches are a perfect way to offer protection from electrostatic discharge.Protecting from discharge is done by grounding all work area devices, including surfaces, equipment, and people, to one electrical ground point. Because of the characteristics of the devices used in electronics assembly, using a workstation is vital in laboratory work environments.