8 Common Types Of Laboratory Benches - LabTech Supply Company

In a lab environment, every piece of furniture and equipment must serve a specific purpose. When you’re planning out your workspace and the lab furniture that goes in it, it’s important to consider the types of benches you’ll need to meet your specific work needs.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit KDSX.

Bench seats of high quality provide a comfortable, durable workspace. Bench options are plentiful, so how do you choose the best one for your lab? These are some of the most common types of laboratory benches. The features and benefits of each option differ, so read on to find out more! 

1. Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a composite of various materials formed into a solid benchtop for your lab. It provides both durability and aesthetic, and it comes in endless color options. A well-made, high-quality epoxy benchtop can last for years.

Chemicals, ultraviolet light, and shock are resistant to it. Additionally, this benchtop is antimicrobial. When buying epoxy benches, it’s crucial to find a quality supplier. Low-quality benchtops can have air bubbles trapped in the resin or other surface imperfections.

Another consideration is the material’s susceptibility to scratches and stains. Both can be removed, but these benchtops require a bit of extra maintenance to avoid aesthetic issues. 

2. Phenolic Resin

Phenolic resin is quite similar to epoxy resin, and what sets it apart is the lower price point. However, its lower price reflects lower durability. These benchtops should be used for simpler, lighter lab activities.

It meets the same lab requirements as epoxy, including its seamless finish and resistance to chemicals, bacteria, and fungus. Phenolic Resin is also made of non-conductive material. If your lab often involves heavy-duty activity, consider investing in epoxy resin instead. 

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is known for its unmatched durability, and it can stand up to the most intense impacts and heat. With proper maintenance, you can maintain a sleek, shiny surface for your work.

Unlike other materials, stainless steel is easy to maintain and replacements are almost never necessary. It can last through heavy wear and tear without getting scratched or dented. The material is also resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals.

Its smooth surface makes it easy to sterilize. However, metal benchtops are highly inductive, however, and that may rule out this option for some labs.

4. Maple Wood

Maple wood is an attractive material for a lab bench. Its main strength lies in its durability. It’s one of the hardest woods available at a lower price point, and it scores a on the Janka hardness test.

Wood benches are affordable, smooth to the touch, and available in many styles. Unlike steel, they aren’t conductive, which is a plus for some workspaces! They’re also available at several price points, and you’re sure to find one that fits your budget.

This bench material is susceptible to burns, scratches, and dents. However, it’s still a good fit for many lab spaces, and you can get years of use out of maple wood. 

5. High-Density Polyethylene Sheets

High-density polyethylene is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, and you can find it in items including milk jugs, playground equipment, and pipes. It’s known for its strength and durability, and it’s also easy to clean.

This bench option is very cost-effective, and it’s resistant to mold and fungus. However, this material is softer than other options in this list Heat, chemical exposure, and even moisture can damage it over time. If your lab doesn’t use a lot of heat or corrosive chemicals, this could be a useful budget bench material.

6. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Workbench

These workbenches are designed to prevent electrostatic discharge. While static electricity can’t harm humans, it has the potential to damage electronic products, start fires, or even set off explosions.

Rather than allowing electricity to flow, this type of bench moves static electricity into the ground. This type of bench is often necessary in electronics labs. If you’re working with circuits or other electronics, this type of bench is a necessity. 

7. Wilsonart Solid Surface

Wilsonart engineered surfaces are an attractive and heavy duty option for your workbenches. Solid surface benchtops are acrylic-based, and they’re resistant to moisture and bacteria. The non-porous material is also resistant to stains, making cleanup and maintenance easier.

Wilsonart is a popular brand in home decor, but the company also produces lab surfaces that are designed specifically for use in labs, which can withstand harsh chemicals, including cleaners. They’re engineered to look like many other surfaces, including quartz, marble, to name a few. The acrylic is durable, but it is repairable if any damage occurs.

8. High-Pressure Laminate

High-pressure laminate is a type of plastic laminate that is durable enough for most lab work. It’s made from many layers of paper soaked with phenolic resin. Each benchtop is fused using high pressure and heat in a process called thermosetting. The results are durable and resistant to fire and normal wear and tear.

This material is  used for shelves, tabletops, and much more. You can find this material at any laboratory supplies company, and it’s an affordable and attractive option.

High-pressure laminate can be designed for lab purposes to withstand chemical exposure, fire, and more. Some laminates are also able to dissipate electrostatic discharge. Overall, this is a durable, versatile material that fits into many lab settings. 

Finding The Right Bench

There are many durable, versatile lab benches available. As you shop, remember to consider the type of work done in your lab, the durability required, and of course, your budget.

Aside from our ready-made benches, LabTech Supply company also creates custom ones according to your specifications. Contact us today to learn more about our custom benches!

In our last article, we looked at the factors that need to be considered when selecting a lab work surface. Today we will look at the available options and their characteristics to understand which material may be most suitable, based upon your specific laboratory needs.

Businesses are using labs for many applications these days...education, inspection, research and development, technology, and testing to name a few.  One of the biggest challenges for businesses today is that they are constantly changing. So, you not only have to choose lab countertops for today’s usage, but also future possible uses.

 Let’s look at the top five that we recommend you consider:

Phenolic Resin

Phenolic resin countertops are manufactured by layering natural kraft paper that has been saturated with phenolic resin and processed under high heat. The result is one solid, lightweight countertop that is durable and long-lasting.

Advantages of Phenolic Countertops

• Moderate Duty
• High Bacterial Resistance
• High Chemical Resistance
• Moderate to High Corrosive Resistance
• High Fungal Resistance
• High Moisture Resistance
• High Scratch Resistance
• Continuous heat exposure up to 350 °F
• Holds up to impact and stress fractures
• Mid Price

Disadvantages of Phenolic Countertops

• Not Flame Retardant

Pricing

If you are looking for a highly chemically resistant countertop at a reasonable price for your science table, this is the material you want to use. It is in the mid range as far as price with only High Pressure Laminate being cheaper. The only downside to this material is that it isn't recommended for use with open flames. 

Best Applications

Biological, Chemical, Clinical, and Analytical Labs. Labs performing experiments and tests where results depend on non-contamination and require laboratory work surfaces that are exceptionally chemical  resistant, impervious and hygienic.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin countertops are made from a mixture of materials and then cured as a solid product. They are durable, non-porous and hold up very well under harsh and extreme conditions. They are typically the choice for stations that have sinks and heavy moisture.

Advantages of Epoxy Countertops

• Heavy Duty
• High Bacterial Resistance
• High Fungal Resistant
• High Corrosive Resistance
• High Chemical Resistance
• High Water and Moisture Resistance
• High Scratch Resistance
• Continuous heat exposure above 350 °F
• Flame retardant
• Holds up to impact and stress fractures

Disadvantages of Epoxy Countertops

• High Price

Pricing

This is the most durable of all the other materials on our list and made for the most extreme lab conditions. It is also the most expensive, because of the limited number of manufacturers. The decision to pay the extra price for this material will depend on whether you need the additional heat resistance on your science table and the ability to use open flames on your lab countertops, because it handles that well. Best Applications

Biological Science, Education, Hospital, Industrial Testing, Medical, Microbiology, and Research and Development Labs. Labs performing experiments and tests that use harsh chemicals, open flames and instruments that create extreme heat and require worksurfaces that are durable, resistant to the most aggressive chemicals, and easy to clean and maintain.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops are made of low carbon steel that is made up of chromium and nickel. Chromium makes it resistant to rust and corrosion, while nickel makes it stain and heat resistant.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Acrylic Bench Tops(ar,de,ru).

Stainless steel has a non-porous surface, which means that no liquids or substances can penetrate into the material at all. Bacteria, mold and other common household germs don’t stand a chance with stainless.

Advantages of Stainless Countertops

• Moderate to Heavy Duty
• High Bacterial Resistance
• Moderate Chemical Resistance
• Moderate Corrosive Resistance
• High Fungal Resistance
• High Water and Moisture Resistance
• Continuous heat exposure above °F, but may discolor at prolonged high temperatures

Disadvantages of Stainless Countertops

• Low Scratch Resistance
• Dents easily on impact
• High Price

Pricing

This material gives your lab a very modern look and has moderate to high resistance to various conditions.  The best benefit is its ability to handle very high heat. It is on the higher end as far as price, with Epoxy Resin being the only material that is more expensive.

Best Applications

Biological science, chemical, clean room, food testing, hospital, medical, and pharmaceutical labs. Labs performing experiments and tests where results depend on non-contamination, require worksurfaces that can handle high temperatures and are easily cleanable.  

Chemical Resistant Laminate

Chemical laminate is made by applying a melamine resin over decorative surface paper, which is then bonded to a core of kraft papers impregnated with phenolic resin. The result is a decorative worksurface that is functional, durable and highly resistant to chemicals.  It is not recommended for exposure to extremes in humidity or heat over 275°F for suspended periods of time.

Advantages of Chemical Laminate Countertops

• High Chemical Resistance
• Heat exposure up to 275°F
• Designer Looks 
• Mid Price

Disadvantages of Chemical Laminate Countertops

• Light Duty
• Low Bacterial Resistance
• Low Corrosive Resistance
• Low Fungal Resistance
• Low Water and Moisture Resistance
• Low Scratch Resistance
• Can chip at seams and get surface cuts

Pricing

If you are looking for a reasonably priced worksurface that is chemically resistant and has a more designer look for your lab tables, this is a good option. It is in the mid range for price and less expensive than Epoxy Resin and Stainless Steel.  The downside is it should only be used for dry applications and can damage more easily. 

Best Applications

Beauty product, dental, pathology labs, photographic darkroom, product testing, and urology labs.   Labs performing experiments and tests where results depend on non-contamination and require worksurfaces that are chemical resistant, decorative and hygienic.

High Pressure Laminate

High pressure laminate is made by applying a melamine resin over decorative surface paper, which is then bonded to a core of kraft papers impregnated with phenolic resin. The result is a decorative worksurface for your science lab table that is functional and durable. It is not recommended for exposure to extremes in humidity or heat over 275°F for suspended periods of time.

Advantages of Laminate Countertops

• Heat exposure up to 275°F
• Designer Looks
• Low Price

Disadvantages of Laminate Countertops

• Light Duty
• Low  Bacterial Resistance
• Low Chemical Resistance
• Low Corrosive Resistance
• Low Fungal Resistance
• Low Water and Moisture Resistance
• Low Scratch Resistance

Pricing

This is the most economical of all of the materials on our list, but is a general purpose countertop to be used in chemical-free, dry applications only. The best benefit of this material is that there are a lot of designer looks to choose from.

Best Applications

Product testing and technology labs.  Labs performing general functions that require worksurfaces that are functional, durable and decorative.

Lab countertops should be a long-term investment.  It is important to consider the type of work you are doing in your lab now and anticipate what you might do in the future. Budget is always important, but your choice must be able to stand the test of time and the rigors of your work.

Other Materials For Your Science Tables

The five choices we outlined above all offer advantages and disadvantages of some of the top materials available for lab and science tables. However, depending on your workers’ or students’ needs and lab’s applications, you may need an alternative choice.

The following are some additional materials commonly used in laboratory spaces.

• ESD Laminate work surfaces are ideal for applications where parts and materials are sensitive to static and need protection.

• Solid surface countertops are durable and easy to maintain. They also feature invisible seams, making them aesthetically pleasing. How to clean solid surface countertops is a common concern, but rest assured that this material is one of the easiest to maintain and keep in top working order.

• Butcher Block countertops are traditionally used in woodworking and basic assembly applications. While this type of countertop is sturdy, it’s also porous and can dent easily. This type of material likely isn’t an appropriate choice for a laboratory setting unless used in non-work areas or in science labs where abrasive chemicals are not handled.

• Stone countertops are durable and heat-resistant. They can be made from materials such as granite, quartz or marble. 

It’s important when weighing your options to consider your lab’s specific needs … now and in the future. Often, a laboratory’s applications will evolve and you will want to ensure the investment you make now can withstand any future applications you bring into your lab. Companies that sacrifice quality for price could be headed for problems and end up spending more money than they planned down the road. 

A Checklist For Choosing Your Lab Countertop

The science table top material you choose is an important investment for your workspace. With several options to consider, here is a checklist of considerations common in a lab space to keep in mind:

• Chemical resistance: Choose a material that can withstand the chemicals and substances you use in the lab currently or could be using in the future.

• Heat resistance: Consider the maximum temperature you will need to withstand and choose a material that can handle it. Remember to consider continuous heat exposure as well.

• Durability: Do you have heavy or sharp equipment? Choose a material that is scratch-, stain- and impact-resistant to ensure longevity.

• Maintenance: Hygiene is important in any laboratory setting, so choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain.

• Cost: Consider your budget and choose a material that fits within your financial constraints. Remember to consider long-term costs as well. 

• Appearance: Choose a material that complements the design and aesthetic of your lab.

• Availability: Lead time can impact all areas of your operation. If you need material quickly, this could influence your final decision.

High-quality industrial workbench manufacturers can help ensure your lab design is functional, safe and meets all the necessary industry standards and regulations. A lab furniture professional should work through each of these considerations with you to help determine the best countertop material for your needs. 

Want more information on Commercial Retail Acrylic Displays? Feel free to contact us.