Adjustable Workbenches
An adjustable work bench is a tool that allows the user to adjust and regulate the height of the work surface to a more ergonomic and comfortable position for the safe and effortless performance of work...
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A workbench is a sturdy flat, smooth, molded surface that comes in a variety of sizes designed for specific tasks. They can be very complex for engineering design work, complicated machining, and intricate precision tooling or be a highly finished wood table for woodworking, metal work, and project design.
Well-constructed workbenches have strong supports that can handle jobs requiring the use of heavy tools and machinery. Manufacturing and production workbenches are referred to as workstations. Though there is a great deal of similarity between workbenches and workstations, workbenches tend to have a larger area and are used for a wider variety of activities, while workstations are normally a part of a production or assembly operation.
The workbench below, from Bench Depot, is multifunctional with lighting, storage space for small parts, leveling guides, and other special features.
The traditional workbench, of decades ago, has been replaced by sophisticated designs constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, and steel with finished flat surfaces for ease of cleaning and workspace management.
Workbenches are very versatile tools that have multiple applications and are used differently depending on their purpose. They are a critical part of assembly and production operations, where they provide a convenient solid workspace.
The first major function of a workbench is to support applications that involve large tools. Industrial workbenches are used for finishing, assembling, and component repair. The majority of heavy-duty industrial workbenches can hold over 1600 lbs (750 kg) and are designed to support heavy tools and equipment.
Tool support systems provide support for impact wrenches, power tools, grinders, and table saws. The main benefit of tool support is to relieve worker fatigue, increase productivity, and act as ergonomic support. A common type of tool support system is the torque arm, which includes telescoping, glider, and articulated torque arms.
In an industrial setting, all equipment must be able to withstand hard use and the demands of manufacturing. This includes workbenches. The work surface has to be thick and covered with a protective material, such as a coating of resin or Formica. They have to be resistant to chemical spills, harsh solvents, oil, and alcohol.
The steel frame workbench, below, is an example of a sturdy well-constructed workbench for industrial use.
All manufacturers do frequent tests of their products to determine the products stability, performance, and quality. These necessary tests have to be performed away from production at specially designed workbenches, as seen in the image below, which is designed for the testing of electronics.
Assembly workbenches have to be designed to fit into the flow of production. In most cases, they have to be specially engineered. A key factor for assembly workbenches is the comfort of employees. Ergonomic configurations keep employees comfortable and keep production flowing. Most assembly workbenches have shelves and cubbies for easy access to parts and components.
The delicate and precise work of a laboratory requires equipment engineered to maintain proper conditions for experimentation. In many laboratories, workbenches are lit and sanitary to avoid contamination.
The design of an industrial workbench includes several factors: the ability to handle heavy loads, durability, vibration resistance, and being usable with manufacturing equipment and machinery. Most industrial workbenches use stainless steel or aluminum as the construction material.
The work surface of a workbench has to be smooth and sturdy as well as resistant to solvents, chemicals, alcohol, and petroleum products. Small parts and testing workbenches usually have a finished top covered in resin or a plastic laminate. Industrial workbenches, for heavy manufacturing, are made of stainless steel or aluminum with stainless steel or aluminum surfaces.
Part of the move toward ergonomic workspaces is making workbenches with an adjustable top that allows workers to be seated or standing while working. Height can be adjusted by a hand-operated crank or an electric height adjuster. Electric height adjustability is recommended for multi-shift and multi-operator processes, since the adjustment is effortless and can be programmed for each user.
Of the many considerations when planning a workbench, its weight capacity is the most important; it depends on how the workbench will be used. Weight load capacity directly affects the safety and function of a workbench and protects workers from potential danger and injury. The three standards for workbenches are:
Depending on the industry, the weight capacity of an industrial workbench can be critical. Standard designs permit work with heavy machinery, tools, and equipment. Heavy duty workbenches can handle light part work for heavy products that may need repair and assembly. The high weight capacity of extra heavy duty workbenches makes it possible to repair heavy machinery from production equipment such as presses and molding equipment. The extra heavy duty workbench, pictured below, has a weight capacity of 14,000 lbs (6350 kg).
Standing for extended periods of time in one position can lead to muscle injuries, with back injuries being the most common form of workplace injury. Continuously working at a workstation leads to repetitive motions and overexertion that cause injuries to arms, legs, and back muscles. Modern workstation manufacturers, who are aware of the harm caused by poorly designed workstations, have adapted their products to be ergonomic, the science for designing things people use such that they can be efficient and safe.
The key component of ergonomics is the realization that something that may be ideal for one person may not fit the needs of another. Ergonomic workstations and workbenches have substantial physical and psychological benefits since they reduce the strain of repetitive activities and the stress from such activities. Additionally, ergonomic workstations lead to a healthier work environment and fewer illnesses and injuries.
Ergonomic factors include:
For most industrial applications, workbenches are made from 7, 12, 14, or 16 gauge steel. For lightweight applications and less stressful use, they can be made from certain types of wood and aluminum.
Metal and steel supports or legs offer the greatest load capacity and stability, and they can withstand the demands of most projects. Stainless steel legs are useful in moist or damp work environments since stainless steel is corrosion- and rust-resistant. Solid wood legs can have the same load capacity as metal and steel legs but can be more expensive. Limited weight capacity table legs can be used for lightweight, less demanding projects.
The workbench, pictured below, has shelves, lighting, a drawer, power strip, bins, adjustable height crank, and footrest.
The designs for workbenches are endless since they are crafted for specific applications and uses. They can be very simple with a flat surface for completing and finishing projects or complex with electrical outlets, computer interfaces, shelving, and drawers. The wide variety of types and configurations matches the long list of their uses. Below is a description of a few types.
Portable workbenches are small and light for easy movement. They are designed to be inserted into workstations that do not require a permanent work surface. Portable workbenches may have casters and folding legs.
Woodworking workbenches are designed for shaping and building wood projects. They come in multiple sizes with larger versions for complicated projects involving oversized components, such as building staircases or the assembling of framing.
Metalworking workbenches are very sturdy, strong, durable, and stable. They are used for shaping metal by welding, grinding, and light castings. Their design includes vises and clamps for holding metal parts.
Electronics workbenches require a power source and are used for the repair of electronic components and equipment, such as computers. They are designed for workers to be seated while working and have excellent lighting. Due to the delicacy of electronic equipment, electronics workbenches are grounded with ESD solutions.
Cleanroom workbenches have to be specially engineered to meet the high standards of cleanrooms. Surfaces are made of a non-porous material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. They must be resistant to chemicals, rust, solvents, and petroleum products, as well as being able to be easily cleaned.
For many businesses, it is advantageous to have custom stations built. This can range from just designing a small custom shelf, to cutouts in the work surface to integrate scales, or designing an entire custom workstation that can integrate with conveyors and other industrial operations.
The common use of a tilt-top workbench is for drafting and design work. They have to be height and tilt adjustable with manual or mechanical adjustment functions.
Isolation workbenches are designed to work with sensitive equipment that have to be protected from vibrations. They are used for working with precision scales, spectrometers, microscopes, testers, and lab instruments. Isolation tables require a precisely balanced surface with leveling feet.
Cabinet workbenches are designed for applications that require several components and tools. They come with a pegboard backing for holding tools, draws, and shelves. Surfaces can be of welded steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or highly finished and polished wood.
Jewelry workbenches are highly specialized for working on extremely small pieces and have a section cut out or one that juts out that allows for close work. They are designed for detail and precision applications.
Workbenches are sometimes incorporated into material handling systems. Ball bearings that are raised a fraction of an inch from the tabletop assist in the moving of heavier materials with reduced strain on the worker.
Heavy duty workbenches are made for harsh conditions and continuous use. They are made from high grade steel designed to withstand the impact of machinery and equipment without bending or collapsing under the weight. Heavy duty workbenches are capable of holding several tons.
Packaging workbenches have to be specially designed for all types of packaging requirements. They have storage space for bubble wrap, wrapping paper, multiple sizes of envelopes, tape, labels, and other packing materials. The design below is preconfigured for packaging needs.
Of the many styles and types of workbenches, modular workbenches have become the most popular due to their versatility and adaptability. Portable and mobile versions have casters that make it possible to move modular workbenches to areas where they are needed the most.
Versatile modular workbenches can be configured to fit the specific needs of an application. When conditions change and new applications are needed, they can easily be adapted, expanded, adjusted, and reshaped to meet the new requirements. As with all industrial workbenches, modular workbenches are required to have heavy duty construction using highly durable and resilient materials.
Modular workbenches come in many forms and include fold-out work tables, table saws, cabinets, drawers, pegboards, and shelving. They are designed to be easily adjusted and changed.
Wall storage systems combine drawers, cabinets, and cupboards that are customizable and adjustable, with accessories and add-ons that can instantly convert the storage unit to meet the needs of the items to be stored. They come in an assortment of heights and configurations.
Tool mountings are designed to be used to store molds and dies. They take the form of a rack with shelves capable of holding heavy parts and remaining stable when rolled out. Additionally, they can be used to store modules, motors, engine parts, and fixtures.
Modular workbenches can add additional parts storage through the use of peg boards and wall mounted tool racks. As with all aspects of modular designs, these additions come in adjustable sizes that can be adapted for any type of condition.
Workbenches are designed to enhance performance and improve efficiency. When they are properly engineered, they create a workspace that is ergonomic, enjoyable, and efficient. Since not all workspaces are the same and the requirements can be radically different, designers rely on the following basic principles when planning a workbench.
All industrial workbenches are designed with adjustability so that they can adapt, change, and conform to the needs of users. Adjustability accounts for the uniqueness of each person and works to their individual configurations. Designing for adjustability applies the basic principles of ergonomics to ensure that all workstations are capable of fitting the needs of workers. In ideal conditions, there is a union between the needs of the worker who interacts with the workbench and their overall efficiency, accuracy, comfort, and well-being.
In an industrial environment, a workbench should be located for easy access, which is necessary regardless of the purpose of the workbench. One of the purposes of a workbench is to increase the efficiency and productivity of an operation. Having a complicated or complex method for accessing the workbench can slow down production and assembly.
Lighting is an essential element of workbench design since it provides the proper illumination necessary to complete projects and assemblies. Overhead lighting is the most popular and comes in several varieties of widths to meet the needs of the available space.
Most workbench light fixtures use LED bulbs that last longer, use less electricity, and save on operating costs. Additionally, LED bulbs have higher brightness and intensity levels and use prismatic lenses to disperse the light evenly over the work surface. For precise, delicate work, under-shelf lighting is used since it is closer to the work surface and can be customized to fit specific applications.
Easy availability of electricity is essential for operating tools, testing, monitoring equipment, and other tasks. Most workbenches come with a built-in power strip, as seen in the example below.
The need for moisture control is dependent on the use of the workbench. If the workspace is wet or damp, the workbench will be made of stainless steel and moisture control will not be necessary. In work areas with parts that have to be protected from moist conditions, some form of moisture control device will be necessary.
Moisture control devices can be as large as the humidity control equipment pictured below.
Tools can take up a great deal of space, especially for large applications. In many cases, companies needing a workbench fail to consider how they will store equipment and machinery. For the most efficient operation, tools should have a set location and storage area so that all employees have easy access to them.
The varieties of designs of workbenches from portable to wall mounted allows for the placement of a workbench in any location. When determining the use of a workbench, it is important to consider whether it will need to be mobile, secured to a wall, or have space around it for several people to work at one time. The restrictions on this determination may be the space available for the workbench, which should be decided long before making the decision to purchase.
The workbench below, from BenchPro, Inc., is designed to be placed in any location without the need for wall support.
A possible consideration, for some locations, is the need for plumbing. Cleanroom and laboratory workbenches may require plumbing due to the nature of their work. This may or may not be true for other industrial applications. It is a point to consider when designing workbench placement.
An adjustable work bench is a tool that allows the user to adjust and regulate the height of the work surface to a more ergonomic and comfortable position for the safe and effortless performance of work...
A portable workbench is a flexible and mobile work surface that is designed to function in multiple environments for the purpose of preparing, constructing, or servicing a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications...
Metal shelving is storage space with compartments and partitions where tools, equipment, books and files are packed in or where some chemicals in laboratories are packed in. Metal shelving is an invention that offers storage solutions for a diversity of industries...
A mezzanine is an intermediate floor installed in a building between the main floor and the ceiling that is partly open to the main floor. They have a low ceiling and project out over the main floor but do not completely cover it...
A mezzanine floor is a middle floor that is installed between the ceiling and the ground floor to provide extra space for storage, assembly operations, or office space. The normal design for a mezzanine floor is 25% of the flooring of a building or smaller...
Modular buildings are buildings made up of standardized sections, called "modules," manufactured in a controlled environment of a factory away from the building's future location. The common factory-made, standard modules include walls...
A pallet rack is an upright structure made of steel framing with beams and connectors that are bolted, welded, or clipped together to form a shelving unit to store inventory and equipment. In warehousing, pallet racks are...
A portable office is a mobile workspace that can be easily assembled and placed to provide a quiet and convenient location for meetings, completing paperwork, or examining plans. They are built using...
Prefabricated buildings, or prefabs, are buildings with components (walls, roof, and floor) that are manufactured in a factory or manufacturing plant. These components can be fully or partially assembled in a factory which is then transferred at the construction site...
Storage rack, also known as racking, is a structure that stores items and materials and comprises at least two upright (vertical) frames, horizontal beams, and some sort of decking (bars, panels, meshes, or none)...
Warehouse racking, also known as storage or pallet racking, is a material handling system suitable for mass storage of goods unitized on skids or pallets. It allows efficient utilization of space while providing easy access to stockpiled items for better inventory control...
A work equipment platform is an elevated platform or surface in a manufacturing or production site that provides easy access to equipment and machinery. The raised space of a work equipment platform...