5 Most-Preferred Materials Used For Science Lab Countertops
A classroom desk and a lab workbench are never the same. Yes, both these pieces of furniture play distinctive roles in education. However, you cannot use a classroom desk for your lab purposes. It’s just not designed or built for that kind of heavy-duty usage.
There are three different types of science labs in school- Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Different types of Science labs require different work surface materials for lab workbenches. Why do science lab furniture manufacturers believe that well-designed lab countertops are a must? They provide students and teachers with safe and durable work surfaces to conduct their experiments.
Inspace School Furniture offers the best range of durable, corrosion-resistant, and economically-priced lab furniture in Tamil Nadu. We also use the best high-quality materials for our lab countertops to ensure maximum safety and functionality.
Our blog serves as a guide for those looking for details about materials used for lab countertops and their top features. But before diving any further, let’s unpack some of the main features of a lab countertop. Most science lab countertops are:
- Rectangular in shape with a flat, smooth surface and edge binding.
- Fitted with a sink in the centre and plumbing as well as electrical outlets
- Fitted with easily accessible storage cabinets below the worktop
- Hygienic, easy to clean, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and durable
Why do schools labs (or any other lab) require proper, well-constructed countertops?
Won’t any other ordinary table do? These are the questions people often ask. The answer is: No ordinary table can replace a lab countertop. These tables are designed to deliver specific benefits for users. They are:
- Durability
Any well-known science lab furniture manufacturer will use only high-quality materials to ensure durability and easy maintenance. This means schools can reap long-term benefits without spending a lot of money on upkeep and repairs.
- Flexibility
A lab is built to serve many student generations. As the school syllabus expands, so do its lab procedures. Contemporary lab countertops are movable and sturdy with adjustable heights to suit various student age groups.
- Ergonomical
The current school syllabi are tough and demanding. The present student generation spends more time using the lab than their seniors. Long lab hours and tedious experiments demand a gruelling schedule and long working hours. It explains why ergonomically-designed furniture is in high demand. Whether sitting or standing, students can conveniently use the table and concentrate on their tasks without feeling tired.
If you decide to invest in lab countertops, you must consider the following factors to ensure you get your money’s worth. Always make sure your countertops are:
- Acid-resistant
- Microbe resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- Static resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Movable
- Sturdy
- Aesthetic-looking
- Hygienic
Here are the five materials you should look for next time you purchase a science table.
Exclusive Range of Classroom Furnitures from Inspace Furniture Solutions
Standards make things safer and easier to use. Attention to detail given to every process in a manufacturing stage can help maintain high-quality standards. Quality and reliable furniture will add costs to both the school and the manufacturers. ANSI, BIFMA, SEFA and Underwriters Laboratory are some of the certifications available for various products that need electrical assemblies, laboratory seating and more. With the rapid increase in technology, mass production of innovative furniture and efficient manufacturing processes have made things easier.
Top 5 Lab Countertops Materials Suggested By Science Lab Furniture Manufacturer
1. Epoxy Resin
Most science lab furniture manufacturers will suggest epoxy resin because it is the most commonly used material for scientific laboratory applications. Epoxy resin is a popular choice because it is:
- Corrosive, chemicals, heat, and moisture resistant
- Aesthetic, durable, affordable, and stylish
- Non-porous, water, and moisture resistant
- Easy to maintain and requires minimum repair
- Shock-proof and UV-resistant
- Impenetrable to bacteria, mould, and other pathogens
- Impact-resistant and flame retardant
- Zero Volatile Organic Content (VOC) or contains no solvent or harmful odours
- Thick enough to create an extreme 3D effect
However, despite all the reasons for its popularity, epoxy resin countertops have disadvantages. One big disadvantage is that they are easily susceptible to scratches and marring, especially while moving heavy equipment on top of them. Fabrication is another big issue because of the chalky residual pollution during the cutting and smoothening process.
Applications of Epoxy resin:
Epoxy resin is the first choice for lab countertops in schools, colleges, hospitals, industrial testing facilities, and R & D labs. It is also widely used for labs tables in medical research facilities.
2. Phenolic resin
Phenolic resin worktables are also known as Solid Phenolic Compact. It is a high-pressure solid composite material created by drenching phenolic resin into many layers of solid kraft paper. This resin is then placed in a thermosetting process in a high-temperature oven. The resulting product is one strong, but lightweight, durable countertop.
Phenolic resin is the next best choice for countertops because of its reasonable price. There are several other advantages that include:
- Scratch resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Bacterial resistance
- Mild corrosion resistance
- Can withstand high heat exposure upto 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Odourless and easy to clean
- Consistent in strength
Perhaps the only known disadvantage of using phenolic workbenches is that they are not fire retardant. Hence, they shouldn’t be used in labs that involve experiments with burners, candles, etc.
Applications of Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is used in all biological, chemical, analytical, and clinical labs that require chemical-resistant and hygienic work surfaces.
3. Stainless Steel
Most science lab furniture manufacturers agree that stainless steel lab tab are the best choice if you can afford a big budget. Apart from the cost, stainless steel hardly has any drawbacks. Due to its high endurance, aestheticism and hygienic features, stainless steel is used in labs across:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Hospitals
- R&D facilities
Stainless steel countertops are known for their:
- Ability to maintain shape and structure
- Corrosion resistance
- Stain resistance
- Resistance to structural damage
- High heat resistance
Ideally, steel should be properly maintained so that there are very few grooves, fissures, and cracks that collect dirt, dust, and bacteria. Proper use and regular maintenance will make stainless steel last longer and look great.
4. Chemical resistant laminate
Chemistry labs are high-risk places that are extremely vulnerable to chemical spills, fire, heat, and everyday wear and tear. Here’s where chemical laminate countertops come into the picture. These countertops are created by coating ornamental surface paper with melamine resin. Later, it is bonded with kraft papers and soaked in phenolic resin. Chemical laminates are popular for their wide range of patterns, colours, and designs. Their fair price point is another attractive feature for those looking for an aesthetic option that’s chemically resistant.
It is also better to know about the drawbacks of chemical laminates as much you are aware of their benefits. This material fails to hit the mark when it comes to:
- Bacterial and fungal resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- Scratch resistance
- Moisture resistance
Also, chemical laminates can be used only for dry applications.
Applications for chemical laminates
Chemical laminates are widely used in dental and pathology labs, urology labs, and labs that require hygienic and chemical resistant work surfaces.
5. High-Pressure Laminates
High-pressure laminates are another good option for science workstations and industrial environments that don’t need extremely tough surfaces. The cost of high-pressure laminate is also relatively low compared to other materials used in laboratories.
Their protective layer also makes it highly resistant to scratches and impacts, so its glossy finish lasts much longer than other materials. Another desirable characteristic of a high-pressure laminate is its low water absorption and moisture content, making it particularly stable under changing environmental conditions. Other advantages include:
- Stain and UV resistance
- Consistency and uniformity
- Antibacterial surface
- Can withstand high heat exposure
Best applications of high-pressure laminates
These countertops are ideal in testing labs and technology labs and in laboratories that require durable and aesthetic work surfaces.
Invest In Inspace: Tamil Nadu's Best Science Lab Furniture Manufacturer
Lab countertops are a big investment. Therefore you must consider the lab’s purpose and budget before investing in the right countertop. Inspace is one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest science lab furniture manufacturers. We have a wide range of lab furniture for academic institutions. Our furniture is built to last for generations of students. We also specialise in customising the furniture according to your lab purposes. Do get in touch with our team to discuss customisation.
