Wood casework and black resin countertops are now a thing of the past in most labs. Technology advancement in processes and equipment now require high specialization levels when carrying out lab casework. You will, therefore, need to purchase the right laboratory furniture in case you want to do your best.
You need to analyze the requirements in your laboratory to figure out what material your casework needs to be made of. Your budget, the purpose of the casework, amount of wear and tear to be sustained all need to be carefully assessed. Here are the top materials that are available for lab casework. We’ll try to also outline the pros and cons.
Laminate
This is made by apply melamine resin on a surface paper that is decorative. This paper is usually bonded to kraft papers that are filled with phenolic resin. The outcome is a decorative cabinet that is often susceptible to extreme heat and humidity.
Pros
- Low Price
- Designer Looks Available
- Low to Moderate Duty
Cons
- Low Water and Moisture Resistance
- Low Corrosive Resistance
- Low Chemical Resistance
- Low Scratch Resistance
- Low Fungal Resistance
- Light Duty
- Low Bacterial Resistance
Applications
It is mostly used when it comes to product testing.
Wood
This is the traditional method and tool for creating lab casework in labs. It is attractive, but then susceptible to wear and tear. It will often show every scratch, dent, chip and discoloration from chemicals.
Pros
- Mid-Price
- Attractive
- Moderate Duty
Cons
- Low Fungal Resistance
- Low Bacterial Resistance
- Dents easily on impact
- Low Chemical Resistance
- Low Scratch Resistance
- Low Water and Moisture Resistance
Applications
It is used in beauty products and also in testing of products as well as technology and research labs.
Steel
Most lab cabinets are made of this. It has a very low powder coating and the powder coat is corrosion, abrasion and chemical resistant. It cannot show signs of chipping, peeling or cracking. Also check our custom laboratory workbenches.
Pros
- Low to Mid Price
- Moderate Bacterial Resistance
- Heavy Duty
- Moderate Bacterial Resistance
- High Fungal Resistance
- Moderate Scratch Resistance
- High Water and Moisture Resistance
- Moderate Chemical Resistance
Cons
- Can dent on impact
Applications
Mostly used in industrial testing, clean room, esd, dental, school, electronics, photographic dark room, research, product testing, and development, and scientific urology labs.
Stainless Steel
This is made of low carbon steel that consists of chromium and nickel. It is resistant to corrosion and rust. Additionally, it is non-porous and hence preventing water from penetrating through it.
Pros
- High Water and Moisture Resistance
- Moderate Chemical Resistance
- Moderate Corrosive Resistance
- Moderate to Heavy Duty
- High Fungal Resistance
Cons
- High Price
- Dents easily on impact
- Low Scratch Resistance
Applications
Stainless steel has found use in biological science, autopsy, animal research, chemical, food testing, clean room, hospital, and medical as well as pharmaceutical labs. You may check more about our laboratory furniture suppliers.
With the above analysis, we believe you can wisely select a material that will fit your needs when it comes to your lab casework. However, do not hesitate to contact us today if you need any help.
