It takes careful research and planning to choose the right material for your laboratory countertops and workstations, especially when it comes to lab furniture such as cabinets and lab benches. The practicality of each of the surface types in question and their overall appearance and effectiveness should be carefully considered before making any final decision.
Understanding the differences between some of the most popular lab bench options can significantly help you in making the best long-term decision for your laboratory work environment.
Configure Your Own Professional Workbench That Will Last a Lifetime
To help you decide which option is best for you, the following information will provide a general comparison of some of the most popular work environment options that provide top safety features and ergonomics.
If your laboratory work environment is looking to upgrade its lab furniture and workbench, LabTech Supply Company can help. Contact us today to speak with a representative about how we can help you improve your lab work environment.
Maple Butcher
In physically demanding environments, maple butcher is extremely robust and forgiving to work with. Maple butcher is one of the few surfaces that can withstand heavy use, be resurfaced or repaired without the use of special tools or years of expertise, and still look brand new.
This surface is ideal for use in physical testing and is suitable for biological applications, but it has poor chemical resistance. Maple butcher’s popularity stems from its smooth and lustrous appearance with few grains. Maple wood, like any other hardwood floor, has advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of Maple Butcher
Here are some of the benefits of maple butcher lab material:
Great Appearance
When it comes to aesthetics, maple butcher is hard to beat. The beauty of maple butcher is that it comes in various colors, including beige, reds, browns, and chromatic grays. As a result, it goes with almost any color scheme. If you prefer a darker tone, you can achieve it with stain or dye.
The maple butcher has a smooth and clean appearance due to its minimal grain. Maple butcher is a fantastic choice because it evokes a sense of European charm.
Superb Hardness
If you’re looking for dependable lab material, look no further than maple butcher. The hardness of the maple butcher is also higher than that of most other woods and has a Janka hardness score of 1450 lbs., which indicates how tough and long-lasting the maple butcher is.
Furthermore, a maple butcher with a strong polyurethane finish can be an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Affordable
Maple butcher can be found all over North America and Canada. Maple butcher is a cost-effective flooring option due to its widespread availability. Maple butcher comes in a variety of styles and grades. As a result, finding the right one that meets both your needs and your budget will not be difficult.
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel work bench and work surface are the preferred choices for sterile environments due to their excellent chemical and heat resistance. Stainless steel will also last longer and look beautiful if used properly and with consistent care. Science labs, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and medical labs all benefit from stainless steel.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of stainless steel lab equipment.
Superior Durability
Stainless steel has an unrivaled level of durability. It is extremely resistant to impact and structural damage, and the steel’s rigidity is maintained over a wide temperature range of up to roughly 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also expect stainless steel to last a very long time if you buy it.
Resistant to Corrosion
Stainless steel is resistant to all types of corrosion, including rust-based corrosion. As a result, stainless steel is suitable for a wide range of environments.
However, even though stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, certain chemical environments can cause problems for stainless steel equipment, so be sure to consult a professional for more information on how to keep your stainless steel equipment safe from corrosion.
Stays Clean
Unlike other common workbench surfaces such as wood, grooved plastic, and various metal alloys, stainless steel easily maintains a smooth and even surface. With stainless steel, there will be very few dips, crevices, and grooves in the steel as long as it is properly maintained.
This makes it much easier to keep the stainless steel clean because there are fewer dirt, oil, and dust opportunities to collect. Additionally, bacteria will not be able to grow and thrive in these hidden areas.
High-Pressure Laminate
High-pressure laminate is an excellent choice for laboratory workstations and industrial spaces that require a durable surface but not one that can withstand harsh conditions. In comparison to other materials commonly used for a lab workbench, this laminate is also very affordable.
High-pressure laminate is also a great choice for applications that don’t require extreme functionality or durability but still require top levels of functionality and durability.
Benefits of High-Pressure Laminate
Here are a few more benefits of high-pressure laminate for your laboratory:
Scratch and Impact Resistant
The protective layer of this type of laminate makes it highly resistant to scratches and strong impacts, allowing it to retain its brightness and gloss for much longer.
Infiltration Resistance
This type of laminate is highly hermetic, preventing the infiltration of water or any other liquid beneath the surface layer. It has a very low water absorption rate and moisture content, making it a very stable product in the face of environmental changes.
Hygienic Properties
High-pressure laminates are one of the most hygienic materials available. Bacteria require nutrition and moisture to thrive, which is impossible to achieve with this type of workbench surface. It is an antibacterial product with a surface that is so solid that dirt cannot penetrate it due to the moisture resistance mentioned above.
UV-Resistant
It should be noted that these laminates are light-resistant, which means their color will not fade over time, maintaining a consistent and homogeneous tone.
Stain Resistant
Because of its strong stain resistance and consistent surface, high-pressure laminate is even considered an “anti-graffiti” product. Because the sheets of paper used to make the laminate are soaked in resins capable of waterproofing the surface, stains slide off and don’t penetrate the underlying layers of the workbench.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is made up of various materials mixed together and then cured into a solid, continuous product. Epoxy resin is a long-lasting and cost-effective option for a variety of labs. It is non-porous, water and moisture resistant, and can withstand wet conditions.
It is heat and chemical resistant and resistant to discoloration, blistering, and cracking under extreme conditions. It also takes a beating and still looks brand new after years of use.
This product’s durability is built-in, rather than added as layers or coatings. Medical labs, pharmaceutical labs, biological science labs, microbiology, and biomedical labs, molecular pathology, and industrial testing all use epoxy resin ergonomic workbenches and cabinets. The construction materials and manufacturing process differ between phenolic and epoxy resins.
Benefits of Epoxy Resin
Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of epoxy resin:
Durable
Epoxy resin was created with laboratory work environments in mind and designed to withstand a lab environment’s rigors. Epoxy resin is shock resistant, chemically resistant (to a degree), and UV resistant. Epoxy resin can also withstand heat, but hot pots should not be placed directly on the workbench.
Nontoxic
Once the epoxy resin has fully cured, the ergonomic workbenches and cabinets are nontoxic. Bacteria, germs, molds, and mildews are all resistant to these lovely workbenches and cabinets. Nothing can penetrate the epoxy workbench’s surface, which means that microbes can’t get inside and contaminate your ergonomic workbenches or cabinets.
Easy to Clean
To clean your epoxy resin lab furniture, all you need is a damp cloth and a mild detergent like dishwashing liquid. Furthermore, harsh cleaners and bleach should be avoided because they can harm the finish of your epoxy resin.
Affordable
Epoxy resin is reasonably priced, but the price will vary depending on the pattern and colors you select. A single color epoxy workbench can cost as little as $25 per square foot, while a multicolored epoxy workbench can cost as much as $100 per square foot or more.
Furthermore, the overall price of epoxy resin is affected by the workbench design, the number of cutouts required, and the workbench’s finish (natural stone look, metallic additives, and edge profiles).
Maintenance Free
Epoxy workbenches are extremely resistant to damage, making them virtually maintenance-free. Your epoxy workbench will provide you with many years of beautiful, glossy workbenches if it is properly cared for.
Unlimited Design Options
Epoxy resin is made by combining resin and a hardener to create a long-lasting surface. Pigments are added after the epoxy has been mixed with hardeners.
Colored epoxy can be made to look like natural stones for a fraction of the cost. Epoxy workbenches are the answer for those who want the look of natural stone without the upkeep and maintenance that comes with it.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is a great choice for laboratory environments with continuous heat exposure up to 350°F (176°C); for temperatures above this, use epoxy resin on a continuous basis. Scuffs and abrasions don’t bother phenolic resin, which means that a workbench made up of this material will hold up well against impact and stress cracking.
Workbenches made of phenolic resin are light, hard, and chemically resistant. They are oil and moisture resistant, and most bacteria and fungus cannot grow on them.
Benefits of Phenolic Resin
Here are some of the fantastic benefits of phenolic resin lab equipment:
Chemical-Resistant
Phenolic resin lab furniture is resistant to chemicals, high temperatures, and other harsh conditions, making it ideal for use in volatile environments. Phenolic resin is flame resistant and non-conductive, making them ideal for laboratories that must adhere to fire safety, combustion, and toxicity regulations.
Phenolic resin laboratory work surfaces and furniture can withstand continuous heat up to 350°F, but it is not flame retardant. At extremely hot temperatures, the resin components will eventually catch fire. The phenolic resin may be an excellent choice for a reasonably priced all-around useful lab surface.
Meets Lab Requirements
Phenolic resin-based lab furniture is the most common material that meets these requirements. It can withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or stain your workbench. It is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and has a long-lasting aesthetic appearance. It’s also a great option for lab experiments that require a contamination-free environment.
Work surfaces and furniture made of phenolic resin meet all of the requirements of most laboratories while also providing various benefits such as wear, water, and chemical resistance. Chemicals and hazardous compounds are used in large quantities in laboratories, which can in turn damage your workbench or even lead to injuries.
That means laboratory worktops and furniture are at risk unless they’re made of materials that can withstand scuffs, spills, and abrasions, as well as stress and impact cracking. Workbenches and work surfaces made of phenolic resins are well-known for keeping labs running smoothly and looking clean for many years.
Less Expensive Than Epoxy Resin
Phenolic resin may be the answer when efficient, uninterrupted laboratory operations are critical to business and production operations and when everything in the laboratory requires careful consideration for each specific environment. A bonus feature is the lower cost, as well as the aesthetics. Consider features such as functionality, appearance, and price.
LabTech Supply Company — Your Number One Source for Lab Benches
At LabTech Supply Company, we want to help you renovate your laboratory with top-quality laboratory benches at a reasonable price.
LabTech Supply Company has been providing customers with a wide range of lab benches and lab furniture for all types of laboratory work environments for more than 30 years.
Our laboratory furniture and equipment are all assembled in the United States to ensure that our customers get only the best lab equipment that fits their budget and meets all industry standards.
To request more information about how you can find the perfect workbench that marries safety with top-notch performance, contact LabTech Supply Company today and assist you in renovating your lab workspace.
