The lab bench is the hub of every science laboratory. As the main worktable where most experiments are conducted, it can be connected to a power supply or water source. It may also include storage areas for equipment.
You can either get a custom-made bench or a modular one. Modular work tables bring loads of benefits, and you should seriously consider opting for one. But before that, learn its functions, types, and benefits.
Uses of a Modular Laboratory Bench
There is more to a laboratory bench than just a flat surface to work on. Thanks to its flexibility and convenience, it’s a piece of furniture that every lab needs.
Here are some of its purposes:
Serves as the Workplace for Most Procedures
Some experiments and demonstrations need large machines or separate work areas such as fume hoods. However, most of them have to be conducted on horizontal planes.
In other words, the workbench is the foundation of your day-to-day in the lab.
Keeps Tools and Resources at Arm’s Length
You can attach a variety of tools to your lab bench so that they’re always accessible, making work much easier.
For example, you can attach a sink to your workbench to safely throw out liquids and clean tools without having to leave your chair. You can also have built-in gas, water, and electricity lines for your experiments.
Stores and Organizes Your Equipment
Not only can you store apparatus under the workbench. You can also use it to hold objects like paperwork and even office supplies! With all your essentials in just one place, you can tidy up and find them quickly, allowing you to focus on more important matters.
Types of Lab Benches and Workstations
Aside from having the right attachments, your lab bench should also be made of materials that cater to your needs.
Below are different types of materials and how they ensure durability and ease of use.
Epoxy Resin Lab Bench Tops
Epoxy bench tops are known to be chemically resistant, shock resistant, and UV resistant. The surface is impenetrable so you don’t have to worry too much about contamination. They also boast a high gloss finish that looks great in both modern and traditional labs.
However, they’re also prone to stains and scratches. To remove scratches, you would need to use a polishing paste. Additionally, air bubbles can occur due to how fast epoxy dries.
Phenolic Resin Lab Bench Tops
Phenolic bench tops usually check all the minimum requirements of a lab workbench. They are chemical and flame resistant, making them safer than most to use in volatile environments. This should be a top choice if a contamination-free environment is a priority.
Unfortunately, basic phenolic bench tops are not very durable and are mostly recommended for light-duty procedures. For heavy-duty work, chemical-grade phenolic resin is better.
Stainless Steel Workstations
The strongest workbench in this list is the stainless steel workstation. It can handle temperatures around 1,400ºF and is unlikely to get damaged due to heavy impact.
Maintain it properly, and you may never see any grooves or cracks for the entirety of the workbench’s lifetime. You may not have to replace it unless it’s for the purpose of expanding capabilities.
Maple Wood Block Surfaces
For a dependable wooden workbench, you can’t go wrong with a maple wood block. This type of wood scores higher than most on the Janka hardness scale with 1,450 lbs.
Its beauty is also unmatched with different colors to choose from including beige, reds, browns, and chromatic grays. As if that wasn’t enough, this is also cost-effective because of how available it is. You won’t be hard-pressed to find one within budget.
High-Density Polyethylene Sheet Surfaces
High-density polyethylene is an extremely versatile thermoplastic polymer. It has a high level of resistance to UV rays and most chemicals and is non-leaching. Despite its many perks, it’s also an economical choice since millions of tons are produced every year.
ESD Lab Workbenches
ESD workbenches are an ideal way to provide protection from electrostatic discharge. They help prevent electrical shorts or dielectric breakdowns by safely guiding static electricity to the ground.
This is made possible by grounding all work area components, including people and equipment, to the same electrical ground point.
Wilsonart Solid Surface Bench Tops
Wilsonart solid surface bench tops have acrylic-based surfaces that are visually similar to Corian, quartz, and Formica while differing in physical qualities.
They are adaptable, affordable, and sanitary so they’re a safe choice good choice for many laboratories. Furthermore, their solid surfaces lessen the chance of bacterial development, making them ideal for settings like hospitals and medical labs.
Another factor to consider is the placements. Do you want an island table or a wall-facing table? How far apart should they be? It all depends on what you feel is an ideal work environment.
You also have to think of the construction of the table. There’s C-frame, which are two connected C-frames and a heavy table top. On the other hand, an H-frame’s storage modules carry the tabletop.
Benefits of a High-Quality Lab Bench
A high-quality modular lab bench can go a long way. This is especially true in pathology, where equipment updates happen constantly at a rapid pace.
Find the advantages of having a fully customizable workstation below.
Ergonomic Design
Adjustable or modular workstations are less expensive in the long run because little to no modification is required. They also take up less room, giving you more space to move around and stay comfortable.
Minimized Downtime
A modular lab is simple to set up and can be delivered faster than a traditional lab. Heavy installation work like anchoring casework or moving heavy modules around is unnecessary.
Flexible and Versatile Setup
A modular system also lets you rearrange benching or cupboards to accommodate specific operations or equipment. You can also expand storage capacity seamlessly by using mobile storage and detachable cupboards.
Safe and Easy to Clean
Moving tables, chairs, and casework require little to no effort when you have a modular design. This makes cleaning and adhering to health and sanitary regulations feel like a breeze.
Open for Modifications
A modular lab work table is best for having the optimum configuration for your needs. Lab bench power supplies and a sink can also be arranged to make things convenient.
Get Quality Lab Tables at LabTech Supply Company, Inc.
The benefits of a modular bench and modular lab furniture cannot be understated. It gives you the freedom to reconfigure and the versatility to renovate almost endlessly. That’s why you should team up with LabTech Supply!
With our 30 years of experience, we can give you the lab you want. To request a quote for a lab bench, you may email us at sales@labtechsupplyco.com or contact us at 800-476-5228 at LabTech Supply Company, Inc. today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since your table will significantly affect the way you and your colleagues work, we’ve answered some of your frequently asked questions. You may not have even thought of some of them, but they’re still worth noting.
What are laboratory workbenches?
Used largely in chemical and biological sciences, a worktable is where scientific research and innovation usually happen. Here, you can perform lab processes and set up workstations for specialists or students.
What are laboratory benches made of?
The most widely used materials for scientific or industrial workbenches include epoxy resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, maple block, solid surface, HDPE, and ESD laminate.
Can lab benches have shelves or storage?
Yes. Many units come with built-in storage areas such as ground-level shelves or cabinets and overhead racks or cabinets. Additional cabinets, racks, and shelves may also be added for more space.
How do you build a durable laboratory bench?
You would first need to choose high-quality materials. Preferably, they should be easy to clean and have chemical or flame-resistant properties. Once that’s secured you can look for a step-by-step guide.
What are the factors to consider when designing a lab bench?
Important factors to consider are layout, quality, design, and cost-efficiency. Figure out how it’ll fit in your lab, how well it’ll stand up to your activities, and how flexible it can be.
