Almost all laboratories are places that need a highly productive environment that is supposed to be safe, efficient, and accurate. The environment has to be immaculate, especially if it is involved with research and development. While there are many types of furniture found inside a lab, a laboratory workbench is probably the most common. With this in mind, several manufacturers have developed lab work benches that are customizable, flexible, and can adapt to any need.

How many types of laboratory workbenches are there?

Laboratory workbenches are normally divided into two categories.

• ESD tables

Static electricity is produced when an electronic device is in contact with a human body. This process is called electrostatic discharge, or ESD. ESD can severely damage an electronic component when touched, leading to parts getting damaged or malfunctioning. The ESD laboratory workbenches provide the solution. It allows operators to safely handle and assemble electrostatic-sensitive devices.

• Non-ESD tables

Non-ESD tables are similar to any normal laboratory workbench and are used in processes where ESD is not produced.

Common features of laboratory workbenches

While laboratory workbenches can come in a lot of different types from different manufacturers, there are some common features available.

• Open modular frames

These tables use modular accessories in their construction, which makes them customizable.

• Highly economical

These tables are highly cost-effective due to their open modular frame, which allows accessories to be added and removed.

• Many options available

Apart from the ESD and non-ESD variants, laboratory workbenches are available in a number of different options.  There are situations when things turn out of control.

• Meets existing standards

All of these tables from reputed manufacturers conform to existing certification and licensing requirements set by relevant regulatory authorities.

• Extra features

Extra features such as DIN rails, vertically adjustable earthling strips, and others make them suitable for any lab environment. Some models even have casters for data distribution and vertically adjustable power distribution.

Common materials used for laboratory workbenches

Laboratory workbenches are made from different materials according to their applications.

• Plastic laminate

Most laboratory work tables are made from plastic laminate. The material is scratch resistant, with minimum resistance to corrosive chemicals, and therefore suitable for conducting unreactive experiments. However, plastic laminate can wear out easily when coming into contact with highly caustic chemicals or when encountering high temperatures.

• Chemguard laminate

Chemguard laminate is similar to plastic laminate but slightly resistant to less reactive chemicals and heat.

• Phenolic

Most laboratory workbenches in colleges, universities, and schools are made from phenolic as the material is easy to clean. It is also stain-proof and resistant to most standard chemicals.

• Epoxy resin

Epoxy resin is the best material for workbench surfaces as it is resistant to a number of highly-corrosive chemicals.

Conclusion

It is very crucial that one keeps in mind the nature of experiments to be conducted before one chooses a particular type of workbench. The best way to ensure one is getting the right product is to procure them from reputed and licensed suppliers.