Laboratory tables are a necessary part of every lab environment. Buying a laboratory table is an investment that can pay off in both time and money. It’s important to understand what factors you should consider when buying lab tables and what effect they can have on your work.
You must be thinking, “what should I consider when buying a lab table”? Is it quality, the price, or something else? This guide will help you find your perfect lab table without all the hassle! So let’s explore the key factors you should consider when buying your laboratory workbench!
Industry
When purchasing a laboratory table, it’s important to consider the industry you need your lab table for. The size and shape of the tabletop may vary depending on what type of work is done on it—chemical experiments or electrical engineering projects, etc.
For example, if you are researching toxic chemicals and want the safest way to place them, your best bet would be a stainless steel table. If your work involves analyzing DNA samples and wanting something more durable than wood or plastic surfaces, then acrylic is suitable for you.
Types of Lab Tables
Lab tables have two main types: ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and non-ESD.
ESD Lab Tables:
ESD tables protect electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge (ESD). They are designed to be used in an environment with high voltage, high currents, or where there is a risk of static electricity build-up. Electrostatic charges generate when a conductor rub against another object or you directly touch the conductor with something already charged, i.e., the human body.
ESD tables provide a conductive surface and an insulating material layer to help absorb the static charge. They also have a grounding wire that runs from the bottom to the top of the table and is connected to earth ground via metal trays.
Non-ESD Lab Tables:
Non-ESD lab tables are used in an environment without the risk of static electricity build-up. These worktops will not ground ESD-sensitive components, so they’re ideal for R&D labs that do not require electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe worktops.
Lab Classification
Lab classification is an important consideration when choosing laboratory tables. Different lab setups require different kinds of furniture. Knowing the type will help determine the table needs.
Some tables are designed for labs that handle hazardous materials and require extra safety measures, while others are better suited for less dangerous applications like research or testing processes. The classification of a lab can be based on the type of work done in the lab, equipment, and chemicals used in the lab. There are six main laboratory classifications:
- Clinical laboratories
- Analysis and quality control laboratories
- Research and development laboratories
- Biosafety laboratories
- Forensic science laboratories
- Production laboratories
Choose the Right Tabletop
The right tabletop is the key to your lab’s safety and to making your workplace efficient. It would be best to choose a table top that will protect you from spills, splashes, and splinters while providing enough space for your equipment and other materials.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a tabletop, including chemical resistance properties, size, shape, and material. Some table tops are smooth, while others have a textured surface that can make working on them difficult if they’re not cleaned regularly. If you don’t feel like putting time into cleaning after each experiment, then wooden tables might not be ideal since they will require more maintenance than plastic ones would.
Features Of A Laboratory Table
When choosing your lab workbench, you need to consider several factors. We’ve described the most important of them below:
Material Type:
Think about what type of material will be used in constructing your table so that it can withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear down over time. Many options are available today, ranging from wood to metal and plastic surfaces. If you want your table to last a long time, buying one made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or aluminum is best.
Mobility
The next thing you should consider when buying a laboratory table is where and how you will use it. Some tables are designed with features like wheels so they can be moved easily around the lab room or even outside if necessary. Others have casters built into them so they can be rolled across smooth floors without any issues whatsoever.
Size & Weight:
Think about how much space you have in your laboratory. An oversized or heavy-duty model may not be ideal if there isn’t enough room in your work area already. But if you have more room, you can get a larger table that will fit more equipment. The right size also depends on how many people will use it at once. So make sure that the size of your table is suitable for the type of work you do.
Chemical Resistance:
Another essential factor you should consider is chemical resistance. Some tables are made of plastic, while others are made of stainless steel. Your table must have chemical-resistant properties if you plan to use chemicals in your experiments. The best option is stainless steel because it doesn’t absorb any chemicals and is easy to clean after experiments.
Electrification:
Most laboratories require electrical outlets, so it’s essential to consider this when purchasing your lab table. Your table should have enough outlets for all your devices and any additional equipment that may need power.
If you plan on working on multiple projects at once or using different types of technology in the same area, having more outlets on your table could save time for experiments.
What Is Your Budget?
Finally, consider how much money you want to spend on this purchase before deciding which type of table will work best for your needs!
Plastic tables are relatively inexpensive, but they tend to break easily. Metal tables are more expensive but also more durable than plastic ones. Wood tables are usually the most expensive but also last long.
You need to determine how much you can afford and what type of equipment you will be using. You can also look for lab tables with storage compartments or drawers to organize your equipment neatly. So, regardless of your needs, you must look for a good table for your new lab workbench!
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