Every business or organization evolves over time, and science lab tables are no different. To keep up with the various requirements of science laboratories, it’s critical that you update your lab equipment, and lab benches and lab tables are at the top of the list.
In laboratories of all kinds, durable tables are in high demand, but knowing what these tables are made of what materials you should consider before finalizing a purchase can be challenging.
Continue reading below to learn more and discover how LabTech Supply Company can provide you with top-quality science lab equipment to keep your laboratories updated over time.
Definition and Benefits of Science Lab Tables
The best scientists and researchers of today all have to start somewhere, and in most cases, it was in their school science lab. Educational lab experiments are more sophisticated and risky than those conducted in cutting-edge facilities; thus, they require the appropriate science laboratory countertops and student science tables.
Science tables that are well-designed give students and employees safe and durable work surfaces on which to conduct their experiments. Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits that high-quality lab tables provide.
Reconfigurable
As a laboratory grows, so do its lab procedures, which expand and change over time. As a result, it’s critical that you choose science tables that will be able to grow, as well.
In any laboratory environment, adjustable height tables are common, especially where expansion is required. The heights of these tables may be simply adjusted and changed to suit the needs of the users, making it simpler than ever to reorganize the lab area to provide additional support to the laboratory space without having to start from scratch.
Durable
When you purchase high-quality science tables from LabTech Supply Company, you can rest assured that they are constructed from high-quality countertop materials to ensure they last a long time and require very little upkeep. This means laboratory managers won’t have to spend a lot of money on their upkeep and repairs, allowing them to reap long-term rewards.
Ergonomical
These days, ergonomically designed laboratory furniture is in high demand as they help put students and employees in a comfortable position so that they can receive all of the necessary assistance while working long hours.
With these types of science tables, injuries and posture-related problems caused by long periods of inconvenient seating can be easily avoided, which means your staff can sit in a comfortable position and concentrate on their task while being shielded from fatigue or soreness.
Top Five Materials to Consider for Your Science Lab Tables
Now that you have a clear understanding of the importance of high-quality science tables, here are the top five materials you should look for in your next purchase.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin science tables and phenolic resin countertops are incredibly long-lasting, light, chemically resistant, and are regarded as the first commercially mass-produced polymeric product. To make these types of tables, layers of kraft paper soaked in resin are layered together, processed at high temperatures, and mixed to make a solid tabletop.
In addition to being chemically resistant, phenolic resin science tables can withstand continuous heat exposure of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, are impact-resistant, and are bacterium resistant due to their non-porous surface.
Many sorts of laboratory conditions that are subjected to continual heat up to 350°F (176°C) benefit from phenolic resin. Phenolic resin science tables are an excellent choice for locations where lab research must be done in a contamination-free environment.
As previously mentioned, one of the main benefits of phenolic resin science tables is their chemical-resistant properties. Normal laboratory chemicals, high temperatures, and other extreme conditions do not affect phenolic resin lab furniture, making it excellent for usage in volatile situations.
Phenolic resin lab tables are also flame resistant and non-conductive, making them perfect for laboratories that must follow fire safety, combustion, and toxicity guidelines.
Epoxy Resin
Solid epoxy resin, which can endure corrosive chemicals and is resistant to heat, moisture, and impact damage, is the standard lab table for most laboratory applications. Epoxy resin countertops are made by combining resin, silica, hardener, and filler in a solid slab, which is then molded and completely oven cured into a solid table.
Solid epoxy resin science tables are stylish, extremely durable, and affordable and provide a clean look that fits nicely with both modern and historic labs, and are available in nearly any color you can imagine. Epoxy resin tables are also non-porous and water and moisture resistant, making them ideal for usage around sinks and other high-moisture areas and will offer you years of productivity with minimal care and maintenance.
One advantage that epoxy resin lab benches offer is their durability. Epoxy resin science tables were designed specifically for use in laboratories and are shockproof, chemically resistant (to a certain extent), and UV resistant. Additionally, because of its curing process, these types of science tables are impenetrable to bacteria, germs, mold, and mildew.
Stainless Steel
Another common surface material utilized in the manufacture of science tables is stainless steel. Due to its endurance and hygienic features, it is used in a range of industries, including hospitals, science laboratories, operating rooms, and commercial and residential kitchens.
Stainless steel science tables are chemically and corrosively resistant to a modest degree, and the corrosion and stain resistance is achieved by using low carbon steel with a ten percent addition of chromium. Stainless steel also offers an unequaled level of durability, as well as being fairly strong and maintaining its shape over time.
Furthermore, these types of science tables are also extremely resistant to significant impact and structural damage, and their stiffness is maintained across a large temperature range of about 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you buy stainless steel, you can expect it to last a long period of time.
Because of their exceptional heat and chemical resistance, stainless steel lab benches and science tables are the preferred choices for sterile settings.
As long as the steel is properly maintained, there will be very few grooves, fissures, and cracks, making it much easier to keep the steel clean because there will be fewer opportunities for dirt, dust, and bacteria to accumulate. If used properly and with continuous maintenance, stainless steel will last longer and look great.
Chemical Resistant Laminate
Spills of highly corrosive chemicals can cause significant damage to laboratory tables and benches, and fire and heat from reactive chemicals and Bunsen burners can potentially harm a solid surface. Luckily, a chemical-resistant lab table surface material will protect your work environment from spills, heat, and everyday wear and tear, extending the life of your lab table.
Chemical laminate science tables are created by coating ornamental surface paper with melamine resin and bonding it to a core of kraft papers soaked with phenolic resin. The end product is a gorgeous solid surface that is also useful, long-lasting, and chemically resistant and comes in a wide range of patterns, colors, and designs.
Because of the frequent usage of chemicals and inexperienced students handling caustic chemicals, these facilities are prone to mishaps. Luckily, the carefully treated laminate used for science tables is engineered to withstand harsher conditions and chemical exposure than those made for residential usage.
One of the best parts of laminate with outstanding chemical resistance is that it is a wonderful alternative if you want a fairly cost lab table that is chemically resistant and has a more designer aesthetic. It is less expensive than epoxy resin and stainless steel and is in the middle price bracket.
High-Pressure Laminate
High-pressure laminate is another great option for science workstations and industrial environments that need tough lab surfaces but not one that can sustain extreme temperatures. High-pressure laminate is also relatively economical compared to other materials usually utilized for a lab.
High-pressure plastic laminate is highly resistant to scratches and strong impacts because of the protective layer, which allows it to keep its gloss for much longer than other materials. Another important feature of high-pressure laminate is that it has low water absorption and moisture content, making it particularly stable in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Furthermore, high-pressure laminate is also one of the most hygienic materials available due to its moisture resistance, making it is an antibacterial substance with a surface that is so firm that dirt cannot penetrate it. High-pressure laminate is also regarded as stain and UV-resistant, which means the color won’t fade over time, resulting in a consistent and uniform tone-looking lab table.
Shop for Your Science Lab Tables with LabTech Supply Company
It’s critical to think about the type of science lab table material you’re going to use and what kind of common laboratory chemicals you’ll be dealing with while using it. Because science tables and lab benches are long-term investments, it’s vital that you seek advice from a professional before selecting your lab furniture for your laboratory.
The best tools you’ll need to furnish your scientific lab are high-quality science tables and science lab benches. At LabTech Supply Company, this is our specialty.
When it comes to providing high-quality lab equipment for our customers, we don’t believe in cutting corners. For more than 30 years, we have remained committed to providing customers with a complete selection of scientific tables and lab benches for all types of lab environments.
All of our science laboratory furniture and equipment are assembled in the United States and made from the highest-quality countertop material to last for years to come.
Do you want to outfit your science lab with the best science tables and lab benches? Contact LabTech Supply Company today to speak with a specialist about your laboratory and learn more about how we can assist you in providing high-quality, professional-grade science lab equipment for your lab.
