Though every lab is unique, it’s difficult to find one that doesn’t rely on high-quality lab casework to provide sufficient storage and adequate protection from corrosion for your lab chemicals, equipment, and tools.
While all labs require casework, a generic solution will not work for every workspace.
Lab casework can significantly affect the functionality of your laboratory workspace, which means it’s crucial that you consider all factors involved in the selection process to choose the best casework for your lab facility.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the critical factors to consider as you navigate the many types of lab casework available to you, as well as advice on which option may best suit your needs.
Keep reading to learn more and find out how LabTech Supply Company can help you find high-quality science lab casework that ensures a safe laboratory environment.
5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Laboratory Casework
Laboratory work entails numerous tasks, which means an efficient and productive lab workplace with appropriate and high-quality equipment is required.
However, because there are several casework options available depending on the specific requirements, to ensure the best results, it’s critical that you make an informed decision.
Laboratory casework has become an essential component of any productive laboratory workplace.
Here are five of the most crucial factors to consider when determining which laboratory casework your laboratory needs:
1. Plan Ahead
Choosing casework and fixtures for your lab entails more than just getting the right measurements and specifications. Before you make your final decision, be sure to think about things like features, materials, and durability.
Understanding how your laboratory workspace will be used, as well as changes that may be anticipated in the future, enables lab managers and designers to select long-lasting and functional furnishings.
Additionally, it is prudent to plan for the maintenance and upkeep of your furnishings, as lab furnishings are an important investment in the long-term success of your lab.
Consider your work zones and traffic flow when planning your layout and placing furnishings. Place your hazardous storage away from high-traffic areas with a quality storage cabinet or wall cabinets and base cabinets, and make sure to place benches and key instruments and equipment so that employees aren’t constantly bumping into each other.
2. Specific Requirements of Your Lab
When it comes to lab casework, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and each laboratory is intricate in its own way. As a result, it’s important to assess the needs of your lab when looking for the best casework.
Before you choose casework for your lab, you should first assess your requirements. Every lab is unique, and the unique specifics of your lab casework will be heavily influenced by the type of work performed in your facility.
Determine what specific qualities you require from your casework by considering the types of conditions they must be able to withstand.
Selecting casework for your lab should be a customizable experience that allows you to meet your needs while also ensuring the best possible results from your lab. This is especially important in labs, where cleanliness and sterilization are critical to success.
3. Selecting Casework Materials
Once you’ve determined what qualities you need from your laboratory casework, it’s time to choose the materials and finishes. When it comes to lab equipment, the quality of your laboratory furniture and lab casework is critical.
Materials used must be appropriate for the tasks at hand, as well as long-lasting and durable. Because your lab furnishings will most likely be in use for a decade or more, it’s important to consider the quality of the materials and construction before placing your order.
Metal
Metal casework is frequently used in industrial testing facilities, dental laboratories, hospitals, ESD labs, and other applications that require materials with relatively high endurance and durability in countertops, workstations, and work surfaces.
Metal casework is highly resistant to water and fungal growth, as well as moderately resistant to bacterial buildup and scratching, and is also one of the most budget-effective casework materials.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel casework is slightly more expensive than metal counters and wood casework, but it has higher heat, water, and fungal resistance.
It may scratch more easily than metal. Because of its easy-to-clean surface, stainless steel has become a favorite in various lab layouts and other applications requiring a high level of sanitation.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is extremely durable, highly resistant to water and moisture, and resistant to the majority of corrosive chemicals.
This material is also scratch and stain-resistant, making it ideal for lab shelves, drawers, and sinks in pharmaceutical testing, food testing, and other facilities dealing with corrosive or harsh chemicals.
4. Design for Flexibility
Traditional lab setups may be sufficient for some labs with fixed sample numbers and testing requirements. For most scientific researchers, however, fluctuating sample qualities and changing requirements are required. Adopting a flexible design that provides easy access to such labs may be the best course of action.
Adaptable workspaces enable lab managers to quickly expand or reduce their operating size, thereby optimizing workflow and worker productivity.
Furthermore, the ability to relocate typically fixed objects such as lab tables, lab benches, laboratory cabinets, and fume hoods is far more convenient and cost-effective than a full renovation.
5. Choose an Efficient Design Layout
Great laboratory design has the ability to enable great research. As a result, it’s critical to fully understand how your furniture design method, application, and layout can promote productivity and efficiency in these systems before designing or redesigning your laboratory space.
Investing in layouts and furnishings that take both functionality and ergonomic principles into account will result in a healthier and more productive lab.
Simple, intuitive furnishings that lack unnecessary embellishments or functionality are frequently the best option for your lab development project.
Need Help Determine Your Laboratory Casework Specifications? LabTech Supply Company Can Help
The right laboratory casework can have an impact on the efficiency, cleanliness, and overall functionality of your workspace. When selecting laboratory product specifications, there are several critical factors to consider, ranging from your specific needs to important safety standards.
Once you’ve determined which type of casework is best for your needs, finding a professional manufacturer who can work with you to customize your casework is crucial.
At LabTech Supply, we’re committed to helping our clients create the safest and most efficient laboratory possible by offering high-quality laboratory furniture at an affordable price.
For over 30 years, we’ve been providing our customers with a wide variety of lab furniture and lab casework for all types of laboratory work environments, and we can’t wait to learn more about how we can help you.
Our lab casework specialists work hard to keep your lab up to date, and all of our lab surfaces are made in the United States, ensuring that our customers receive the highest-quality lab furniture available that fits their budget and meets all industry standards.
To speak with one of our lab casework experts about your needs and discover how our high-quality, professional-grade lab products and items can improve your lab environments, contact us at 800-476-5228 at LabTech Supply today!
