Portable Workbenches
Portable workbenches are non-stationary, task-driven workspaces designed to provide efficient and mobile units in a variety of industrial, commercial and residential environments. The term workbench can be misleading as these constructs often consist of a flat, table-like work surface and the attached components, such as drawers and shelving, needed to improve productivity by creating easy access to all supplies required for the completion of a task.
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Applications of Portable Workbenches
While stationary workstations are often formatted to one specific job, portable options must remain more fluid in their configuration as they are often used for multiple tasks. For this reason many of these units are not only portable, but some units, such as modular workstations, can also be adjusted in regards to height, storage capabilities, and power supply (in the case of electronics). Length, width, load capacity, and surface type are additional features that may be adjustable on some models. Also referred to as multi-purpose workbenches, these workstations are used in virtually every industry, including medical, electronics, food and chemical processing, woodworking, and metalworking. Manufacturing plants, warehouses, assembly lines, clean rooms, and hospitals make use of these often compact pieces of equipment for tasks ranging from electronics repair to sharing a computer between workspaces.
Types of Portable Workbenches
There are two main types of portable workbenches: those with casters or wheels and those that fold or collapse. Casters and wheels attached to the base or legs of a mobile workstation allows the station to be easily moved from one area to the next without disrupting the state of the work in progress on the desk or the order of equipment. Rolling benches, however, cannot be easily transported over rough terrain or stairs. Folding or collapsible workbenches are built with hinges and removable apparatuses that allow the sturdy structure to be slightly disassembled in order to move them. While these can be transferred across any surface (since they are carried), the tools and supplies must be carefully stowed to avoid damage. Additionally, these folded workstations must be made of light materials as heavy stations would be difficult to move. Though some steel, hardwood, or aluminum may be used as support or framing, common materials needed for portability include polymers, plastics, plywood, and melamine. Rolling workbenches are often made of these same light-weight materials, though they have the option of heavier elements as they need not be lifted. Metal and plastic components are formed through extrusion, die-cutting, injection molding, and other such processes while wooden elements are sawed and sanded. The many components are nailed, bolted, screwed, and welded together with hinges and casters carefully placed to ensure the ease of transport.