One of the common mistakes when setting up or upgrading laboratory furniture is only focusing on chemical resistance. It’s surely important, but it’s not only that.
Many labs, from educational institutions to industrial, make big investments in chemically resistant surfaces, only to encounter problems a few years later, such as rusty buildings, warped tables, or broken panels.
Why? Because there’s others factor like durability, structural strength, moisture resistance, and ease of maintenance.
In the long run, improper material selection might affect safety, effectiveness, and reliability of experimental results in addition to increasing maintenance costs. In the end, using the incorrect material might be far more expensive than minor fixes.
Here are the followings guide for selecting the materials your lab:
1. Chemical resistance
It’s true that lab furniture must be able to withstand spills, acid, and solvents. Certain materials are weak against heat, pressure, or long-term exposure, but they can withstand chemicals.
2. Mechanical strength & durability
In addition to being able to withstand chemical contact, a good lab bench should also be able to support heavy equipment, frequent cleaning, and repeated movement.
3. Moisture and resistance
The environment plays an important role such as humidity, steam, and temperature changes. Materials like phenolic resin and stainless steel perform better compared to standard laminates or particle boards.
4. Ease to maintenance
Lab furniture isn’t only functioning; it should also be easy to clean and look professional. Smooth, non-porous surfaces prevent contamination and save maintenance time.
How can we choose the right material for your lab furniture?
1. Phenolic Resin: Best for education and light chemical lab.
2. Epoxy: Best for industrial and heavy chemicals lab.
3. Stainless Steel: Food & beverage, cleanrooms, and pharmaceutical lab.
When selecting materials for your lab furniture, it’s important to consider not only chemical resistance but also long-term performance, durability, and safety. Besides that, maintenance and how lab staff operate in the lab plays a crucial role for your lab furniture.
We spent over 25+ years designing laboratory furniture with over thousands+ clients that fulfill their needs. From school to industry, we provide the best services and products using the best materials and craftmanship.
Let’s transform your space into a laboratory that meets your needs. Contact us for an expert consultation for your lab.