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Introduction
The contents of this article is everything you need to know about lab benches and their use.
You will learn:
What is a Lab Bench?
Types of Lab Benches
How Lab Benches are Made
Common Uses for Lab Benches
And much more …
Chapter 1: What is a Lab Bench?
A lab bench is a specially designed bench or table that is able to assist in the performance of laboratory experiments and tasks, including the handling of reagents and test samples. Part of the design process for lab benches includes finishes that are resistant to corrosion and vibrations, each of which can be damaging to experiments and tests.
In the majority of cases, lab benches are the most important part of a research lab and are the biggest, heaviest, and most essential part of any experimental, R and D, and scientific environment. They support experiments, provide a strong, even, non-porous surface, and are built with connections and various accessories to assist in the efficient performance of the crucial work.
The term lab bench is a generic descriptor for benches that have been custom designed to fit the needs of a wide variety of laboratories and experimental environments. The nature of the work that is being performed is the determining factor as to the type of lab bench that will be installed with the initial differentiating factor being wet or dry, which determine the types of accessories a lab bench will need. Dry types of lab benches have electrical connections expansive surface areas with storage areas above and below the work surface. Wet type lab benches have limited surface space and are designed for work with liquids, have racks for holding containers or bottles, and sinks for draining waste materials.
Chapter 2: Types of Lab Benches
Every piece of furniture, component, and piece of equipment for a lab environment is carefully chosen to fulfill the needs of the activities required by the lab. The initial selection process begins with the lab bench, which is chosen in conjunction with the work to be completed. The key to the function of a lab bench is their surface, which can be constructed to complete wet or dry procedures.
Lab benches are used to complete all of the work of a laboratory unless experiments cannot be completed on a horizontal surface or require a special environment for large pieces of equipment or fumes. By appearance, it may seem that lab benches are simply flat tables that can be used to complete experiments. Unlike typical workbenches, lab benches have specialized accessories that enable the completion of a variety of tasks that would be damaging or impossible on a traditional workbench.
Lab Bench Classification
The three methods used to classify lab benches are function, structure, and purpose. Each of the classifications are further divided into subcategories that minutely describe the aspects of each classification.
Classification by Function
The subcategories by function are in conjunction with the type of lab work a lab bench will perform and include:
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Physical lab benches are used for experiments involving electronics, electrical devices, and other dry activities and processes. Chemical lab benches cover a wide range of experimentation and include organic and inorganic chemical observations and studies. The breadth of chemical lab benches can include dry and wet lab benches involving chemical reactions. Biological and chemical lab benches may overlap in the type of work that they perform with many biological lab benches having sinks, container organizers, and incubation equipment.
Classification by Structure
It is difficult to encapsulate the classification by structure due to the many unique, special, and unusual types of structures that are designed for highly technical work. The general classification of lab benches is in accordance with their mobility and placement and includes:
Floor mounted
Suspended
Mobile
Floor mounted lab benches consist of a base, countertop of varying materials, racks, electrical connectors, and a range of different accessories depending on the function of the lab bench. Suspended lab benches, as with floor mounted lab benches, are immovable and consist of a hanging support frame, suspended cabinet, countertop of various materials, racks, electrical connections, and accessories. Of the three types of structures, mobile lab benches have rollers or castors and can be repositioned for easy access. They have a support frame attached to a cabinet that rests on wheels. Included in mobile lab benches are all of the other factors associated with suspended and floor mounted lab benches.
Classification by Purpose
Lab workbenches are difficult to organize by purpose due to the wide range of custom designs that are engineered for a specific purpose. An example of specialized lab benches are ones that are meticulously created for cleanrooms. A short list of general purposes of lab benches includes:
Island bench
Side bench
Sink bench
Reagent rack
The most distinctive lab bench purposes are island lab benches and sink lab benches with island lab benches being larger to accommodate the staff of the lab and sink benches having plumbing and a sink.
The categorizing of lab benches also includes the materials chosen for the structure of a lab bench, which are steel, steel wood, aluminum wood, and wood. Additionally, there is a differentiation between the production of lab benches with the most common production processes being European and American.
A feature of lab benches that is planned, discussed, engineered, and designed is the surface countertop of a lab bench, which is chosen in accordance with the types of testing, experimentation, tasks, and processes that will be performed on a lab bench. These are chosen and classified by their function: physical, chemical, and biological.
Although there are common materials used for the manufacture of lab bench countertops, the general list of materials is endless and includes materials that have been fabricated to fit the specific purpose of a lab bench. The basic characteristics of countertops include their resistance to high temperatures, corrosion resistance, and a solid firm nonporous surface.
Traditional Lab Benches
Traditional lab benches that are made for general laboratory use and are capable of supporting heavy loads with strong supports. The countertops of traditional or standard lab benches vary according to the type of work being performed. Standard lab benches can be used in any set of laboratory conditions with the exceptions being environments where caustic chemicals are present or where drainage is needed since standard lab benches do not have sinks.
Of the many types of lab benches, traditional lab benches are the least expensive due to the fact that they are not designed for any specific purpose. They can be mobile or have a permanent base with countertop widths that range from 36 inches up to 96 inches (91 cm up to 243 cm). Due to the lack of specificity of their function, standard or traditional lab benches may be light enough to be repositioned with or without wheels.
Regardless of their neutral nature, traditional lab benches are capable of performing a wide variety of laboratory functions and are a highly reliable tool. They are constructed following the same high standard that are delineated for more specialized lab benches. Certain types have the appearance of a table and can be accessed from both sides in order to easily reposition and adjust the materials being studied.
Custom Laboratory Workbenches
Regardless of the endless number of designs and types of laboratory workbenches, there are still conditions, experiments, and applications that require a workbench that is custom designed and configured. In actuality, custom laboratory workbenches are more prevalent and requested since the majority of traditional workbenches are designed for normal lab work that has been part of scientific research for many years.
Every aspect of a lab workbench is inspected and modified when developing a custom lab workbench. The adaptations may be in regard to the type of experiment, the physical needs of scientists, cultural needs, and the location where the required work will be completed. Areas that are examined for adjustment include worktop layout, mobility, type of frame, height adjustment, type of height adjustment, variations in ESD laminate, type of counter surface, strength of the frame, and materials used for construction. The most minute detail of a custom lab workbench is examined, adjusted, and re-examined to ensure the final configuration meets the requirements of an experiment or application.
Although it may seem that a flat surface for completing experiments may be a simple and straightforward concept, in reality, the seriousness of studies and their consequences can be negatively affected by inappropriate and improper equipment as well as a poorly designed and constructed work surfaces.
In regard to the manufacture of custom lab workbenches, manufacturers work closely with their clients in partnership to ensure that the workbench a client requires is sufficiently safe and in compliance with the activities to be performed. The close relationship between client and supplier is a necessity due to the nature of the work that is performed.
Benefits of Custom Lab Workbenches
Adaptability – Work in a laboratory is constantly changing. Custom workbenches make it possible to adjust the workbench to the needs of the lab.
Storage – In accordance with adaptability, custom lab workbenches have storage areas that change with changing needs.
Planning – Custom lab workbenches, in association with manufacturers, make it possible to plan every detail of a workbench.
Space – Space is one of the key factors when purchasing a lab workbench. Custom lab workbenches make it possible to have a workbench that perfectly fits the available space.
Tasks – As with space, the tasks to be performed dictate the type of lab workbench and is the main reason for the use of custom lab workbenches.
Utilities – The standard off the line workbench does not provide provisions for plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical outlets and cords. The majority of lab work requires specific utilities for safety and the materials being handled.
Aesthetics – Although aesthetics are not a major consideration, the appearance of a work space can assist in providing a positive environment for worker morale.
Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) Bench
Electrostatic discharge is when electricity moves through different conductors before it discharges on another object. Uncontrolled ESDs can influence the results of an experiment, can contaminate a cleanroom, and ignite flammable materials. ESD lab benches are specialized lab benches that are used in laboratories that work with precision electronics. They are a safety measure designed to prevent damage to experiments and electronic equipment.
Although most lab benches are configured to deal with the effects of chemicals or contaminants, ESD lab benches take the level of protection to a higher level by constructing lab benches using ESD laminate materials that have an embedded carbon layer for dissipating static discharges, which are capable of handling 100,000 ohms. To support an ESD countertop, the frame of an ESD lab bench is composed of steel supports connected by grounded bolts.
Mobile Lab Benches
Mobile lab benches offer the benefit of being able to be repositioned in various locations for convenience with the extra benefit of carrying heavy pieces of equipment for relocation and positioning. Most mobile lab benches are capable of supporting loads close to 600 lbs. (272 kg). The advantages of mobile lab benches include lower cost, easy installation, and the ability to upgrade or change features of the workbench without having to dismantle a laboratory.
Since the activities of a laboratory are ever changing to meet new conditions and activities, mobile lab benches make it possible to redesign, reconfigure, and rearrange a lab to meet the needs of diverse requirements. The selection of a mobile lab bench is dependent on the types of materials being tested, which determines the type of countertop a mobile lab bench will have.
Most mobile lab benches have the same amenities as permanent lab benches such as drawers, electrical connections, cabinets, and shelving. The one exception is the inability to have plumbing with a sink. Mobile lab benches are capable of being used in all types of environments and are a common part of cleanrooms.
Wall Mounted Lab Benches
Some laboratories have limited space and require the use of economical lab benches that require a small amount of floor space but provide the same type of performance as mobile or lab benches with heavy bases. Wall mounted or suspended lab benches make it possible to have an open central area in the middle of a lab for pieces of equipment for the completion of experiments.
Much like mobile lab benches, wall mounted lab benches are flexible and can be configured to fit a wide range of tasks. Wall mounting makes it possible to configure the benches in several ways to meet the needs of height, weight, and countertop to fit the needs of users. The modular design makes it possible to switch components, change counters, and add shelving and cabinets as needed.
A common feature that is added to wall mounted lab benches are sinks since wall mounted lab benches can be located close to plumbing. They have the types of accessories commonly used in wet labs and have drying racks placed on the wall above a countertop sink, which necessitates the use of ceramic or stainless steel countertops.
Dry Lab Benches
Dry lab benches are designed to be used where the focus of the work is on computer generated experiments or mathematical analysis. The main purpose of a dry lab workbench is to provide easily accessible electrical outlets and smooth even surfaces for the placement of electronic equipment. Included in the design of a dry lab bench are cupboards, cabinets, shelving, electrical outlets, supports for computer monitors, and various forms of storage areas. The main items in a dry lab are pieces of sensitive equipment capable of performing precise calculations.
The requirements and restrictions for a dry lab bench are far less from those that are necessary for a wet lab bench. In most cases, countertops can be of any type of material that is capable of handling the loads from technical equipment. Wood, different types of plastics, and epoxy are commonly used to provide the proper finish.
Wet Lab Benches
The specifications for wet lab benches are more restrictive and regulated than those for dry lab benches due to the nature of the work being performed. While dry lab benches are used for computations and calculations, wet lab benches are used for the development of drugs, chemicals, and bio matter. These types of experiments necessitate greater control for the protection of the tasks being performed and the workers performing them. In many cases, it is necessary to have a dry lab bench environment and wet lab environment with one being used for modeling experiments while the other is used for performing experiments.
Wet lab benches are a necessity when working with liquids, chemicals, and other types of substances. They make it possible to conduct a wide array of experiments and procedures that require a controlled environment with plumbing and sinks for drain off. Wet lab benches have exceptionally sturdy countertops that can be easily cleaned. Sinks can be located in several positions in a wet lab bench, such as along the wall and in the center of the room.
The majority of the components of a wet lab are permanently placed. Wall mounted and mobile lab benches can be used as peripheral work areas with the center of a lab being focused on solidly placed permanent countertops.
Ergonomic Lab Benches
Ergonomic lab benches are designed to meet the growing concern regarding the strain placed on worker legs, backs, and arms. When a workstation is placed at a height that does not meet the needs of a worker, the consequences can be a series of muscular injuries that lead to reduced productivity and poor worker performance. In response to this problem, lab bench manufacturers have developed a class of lab workbenches that can be adjusted manually or electronically to meet the height requirements of a worker. The efforts of lab bench manufacturers have led to improved worker performance and less time off due to injuries.
The design of ergonomic lab benches provides a stable work surface that can be adjusted to the needs of lab workers. Included in the adjustments, aside from height, is the ability to change the depth and width of the work surface to make the performance of various tasks more comfortable and with greater efficiency. The height at which a work surface is set is dependent on the size and weight of the part being adjusted, the necessary precision, type of assembly process, and whether the same action has to be repeated multiple times repetitively.
After much research and study, lab bench manufacturers have discovered that ergonomic lab bench offer several benefits, which include:
Injury Prevention: Ergonomic lab benches provide an added layer of protection for professionals that may work at a task for several hours.
Comfort: Ergonomic lab benches come with adjustable equipment to increase the comfort level for workers and significantly decrease fatigue.
Cost: Although the initial cost of an ergonomic lab bench may be higher than other types of workbenches, the savings are realized through the elimination of fatigue and injury, which compensates for the added expense.
Adaptability: Ergonomic lab benches can be adjusted and configured to meet the needs of the different tasks of a laboratory. This particular attribute is one of the reasons they are so widely used.
Common Features of Ergonomic Laboratory Benches
Adjustable
Foot Rests
Lumbar Support
Smooth Non-Porous Surface
Protected Safety Edges
Adjustable Armrests
Focused Lighting
Mats or Pads for Footing
Laboratory Tables
A special type of laboratory work surface is a lab table that is flexible and adaptable to be used for a variety of purposes. As with lab benches, lab tables are chosen to fit the needs of the research and experiments that are conducted in a lab. In dry labs, lab tables do not have to be as resilient as lab tables for wet labs. In many cases, in both types of labs, lab tables are used as stations to hold instruments and various types of devices.
Laboratory tables are chosen for a specific purpose and are grouped by their components and their countertops, which are the same as those for lab benches. Many of the components for lab tables are built into the lab table and include:
Leveling Glides - Adjustable leveling glides increase contact with the floor and prevent a table from wobbling.
Shelves - Adjustable shelves are added and can be contained in a cabinet that sits on the table.
Book Compartments - Book compartments are built into the frame of a lab table, just beneath the surface of the lab table. They are positioned for easy access and a necessary part of wet and dry labs.
Fixed Shelving - With certain lab table designs, fixed shelves are used as support for the table and provide stability. This is especially true in labs where heavy equipment is used as part of testing processes.
Locking Cabinets - In some labs, due to the nature of the work being performed, locking cabinets can be a necessity. In most cases, they are installed like fixed shelving to add support to a lab table as well as an extra level of security. In keeping with security, locking cabinets and shelving may be made of hardened steel.
Height Adjustment - The height adjustment mechanism of a lab table is in keeping with the concern for ergonomics and potential back, arm, and leg injuries. Although the adjustments may not be available for all lab tables, they can be added to certain designs. Since lab tables have a wide and longer surface, the height adjustment mechanism in some designs are operated by a ratchet.
Compartments - The success of lab work is built on good organization. Compartments, which are common for work in electronics, are used to keep various components, tools, devices, and paperwork organized and easily accessible. Various materials are used to construct compartments with hardened steel being the most common due to its strength, cost, and durability.
Vibration Isolation Lab Tables
Vibration isolation lab tables are used to isolate systems and devices under test (DUT) from any form of low frequency vibrations. The necessity of vibration isolation lab tables is due to the many sources for vibrations, such as boilers, air compressors, busy highways, and construction, that can damage or alter the results of a test or experiment. The legs of an isolation lab table have air isolators that provide passive vertical and horizontal vibration isolation at 1Hz up to 10Hz. The tops of vibration isolation lab tables float on air or nitrogen at 80 psi, which is carefully regulated.
The mechanism for a vibration isolation lab table rides on casters for easy movement and has an ergonomic height control for comfortable access. The table is kept level by control valves that keep the length and width of the table level. When the table is placed for usage, the casters are retracted such that the table rests on the floor.
Common accessories for a vibration isolation lab table include keyboard and mouse stands, monitor stands, shelves on the top and bottom of the table, arm rests, and power strips.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Chapter 3: Lab Bench Construction
Lab benches are an essential part of a laboratory and serve as the foundation for the work that is to be completed. Dry and wet labs require different types of lab benches with ones for wet labs having more stringent and demanding requirements. Regardless of the type of lab bench that is to be manufactured, an essential part of the process is the selection of the materials that will be used to construct a lab bench.
The two primary considerations for the structure of a lab bench are the type of countertop, which distinguishes a lab bench from other types of lab benches, and the frame or base of a lab bench that determines the load that the bench can bear. As the materials for the frame and countertop become stronger and more resilient, the capabilities of a lab bench radically improve and expand.
Countertops
When searching for a lab bench, the first thing that appears at every manufacturer’s website is the type of material that will be used for the countertop, which is the surface where the main work will be completed. In all cases, countertops for lab benches are non-porous for the protection of equipment and the stability of the lab bench. They are made from highly resilient material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a combination of two polymers that undergo a chemical reaction to form a durable, solid, and high strength surface. It is widely used for lab bench countertops due to its strength and pleasing appearance. Epoxy resin countertops are resistant to chemicals, ultraviolet light, impacts, and shock and are antimicrobial making them an ideal surface for wet labs. The strength and resistance of epoxy resin countertops makes them long lasting and exceptionally durable.
The aesthetic appeal of epoxy resin countertops is due to their high gloss finish that reflects light and makes the top easier to clean. When applied properly, an epoxy resin countertop seals every pore of the counter to leave a smooth, even, and sleek finish.
Phenolic Resin
Phenol formaldehyde resins are synthetic polymers that are created from the reaction of phenol with formaldehyde that are used for the production of laboratory countertops. Phenolic resin is similar to epoxy resin but is less durable and ideal for lighter and less demanding lab work. As with epoxy resin, phenolic resin provides a smooth, even, and seamless finish that is resistant to chemicals, bacteria, and fungi.
Although epoxy resin is the standard for lab bench countertops, phenolic is a good replacement since it has 90% of the properties of epoxy resin at a fraction of the price. In most cases, epoxy resin costs $100 to $200 a square foot while phenolic resin costs $15 to $18 a square foot. A popular use for phenolic resin is in laboratories where contamination is a concern.
Phenolic resin countertops are constructed by saturating a layer of kraft paper with phenolic resin. Once the materials are heated, they form a hard, lightweight, durable, and strong material that is resistant to bacteria, chemicals, and moisture. Additionally, the formed material is corrosion resistant and able to withstand temperatures up to 350°F (177°C).
Stainless Steel
The various types of stainless steel are well known for their strength, resistance to corrosion and rust, and exceptional durability. All of the positive characteristics of stainless are the main reasons that it is chosen for use with lab workbenches. Of the many types of countertops, stainless steel is the easiest to maintain and the longest lasting. Its oxide layer forms as a protective shield that prevents the metal from being scratched, chipped, or damaged by any form of impact. In most cases, stainless steel countertops are used in the most demanding environments where high strength and durability are a necessity.
Stainless steel has an exceptionally smooth surface that can withstand temperatures up to 1400°F (760°C). It is long lasting and will most likely never need to be replaced. Stainless steel maintains its smooth, strong, and resilient finish in all types of environmental conditions and environments. The main drawback to the use of stainless steel as a lab bench countertop is its cost, which can vary from $80 a square foot up to $225 a square foot, a cost that is far higher than any of the other materials, with ceramic countertop material being the exception since it is far more expensive than stainless steel.
Polypropylene
One of the benefits of using polypropylene as a countertop is its lightweight and resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents. The material is ideal for lab testing of high-level chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid. Polypropylene lab benches are stain resistant and come in half inch to one-inch thick sheets that are thermally welded to the surface of a lab bench to create a tight, secure seal with high strength. The color used the most for polypropylene lab benches is white due to its appealing appearance with black and natural colors also being available.
Polypropylene is an extremely rigid plastic that is made from a thermostatic propylene monomer. It is popular for laboratory use due its resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and water. The elasticity, flexibility, and toughness of polypropylene make it resistant to cracking and stress with a melting temperature of 327°F (164°C). As with most plastics, polypropylene can be recycled at the end of its usefulness.
Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) Countertop
ESD work surfaces are one of the best types of work surfaces if there is a concern about static interference in the performance of a laboratory experiment or procedure. It is caused by friction that can be dissipated using an ESD laminate work surface. Electrostatic discharge happens when objects rub together and give off electrons, which causes one object to become positively charged while the other is negatively charged. The result of the interaction is an imbalance that causes charges to build up on the surface of the charged object.
The release of the built up charge can damage the results of measurements such as the weight of materials, the specifications for cleanrooms, and stipulated safety requirements. In order to dissipate and control these random charges, countertops for lab benches are built with ESD laminate that is made of high pressure laminate that contains a carbon layer.
In an industrial setting, electrostatic discharge can be very serious and can have the potential of igniting flammable chemicals and vapors, cause sensitive instruments to malfunction, and attract contaminants. The difficulty with electrostatic discharge is that it cannot be seen or felt until it causes damage. An ESD countertop diffuses static electricity by establishing a zero potential ground between the floor, work surface, and any implements, tools, devices, or experiments. The ESD surface serves as a barrier that is conductive ESD safe that channels, slows, and shields items placed on the surface.
High Pressure Laminate
Laminate countertops are made of layers of paper that have been soaked in phenolic resin that are fused to a lab bench top using thermosetting, which includes the use of pressure and heat to permanently bond the material to the top of the lab bench. The resulting material is exceptionally durable and resistant to fire, wear, and tears. As with phenolic resin, laminate lab bench countertops are economical and affordable.
The various types of high pressure laminate lab benches have limited use in wet laboratory environments since they are not resistant to the effects of acids, especially concentrated hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid, which can cause permanent damage to the laminated surface.
Ceramic
Ceramic lab bench countertops are viewed as the supreme form of countertop due to their many benefits. They are more expensive than stainless steel and just as long lasting as stainless steel. Ceramic countertops are made of a combination of kaolin, clay, porcelain stone, porcelain clay, lime glaze, and lime alkali glaze. Lab benches made with ceramic countertops are valued for their resistance to temperatures that can reach 2732°F (1500°C), which far exceeds the strength of any of the other high quality lab benches.
The durability of ceramic lab benches makes them ideal for use in laboratories that are constantly handling all forms of acids and alkali, since ceramic countertops are unaffected by any acid and alkali. The many properties of ceramic countertops include scratch resistance, being anti-bacterial, high hardness, impact resistant, unaffected by pollution, anti-aging, and non-flammable as well as resistant to the effects of radiation.
Chapter 4: Lab Bench Structure
The countertop is the key part of a lab bench since it provides the perfect surface for completing laboratory work and activities. The next critical part of lab benches is the supports that hold the countertop and support the loads that are placed on the countertop, which are referred to as the frame of a lab bench. The common types of lab bench frames are L type frame, P type frame, A type frames, U type frames, C type frames, cantilever, suspended, and H type frames. The frame type determines a lab bench’s load capacity. The strength of the frame is directly related to how the tubes or pipes of the frame are welded.
Lab Bench Frame Types
Frame Type
Description
C-Frame
A supporting floor-based leg assembly designed in a C-shape to support a surface. It provides a modern appearance and helps maximize storage space.
H-Frame
A floor-based frame system, shaped in the form of H. It's a classic frame system suited for mounting heavy bench equipment.
L-Frame
A supporting floor-based leg assembly shaped in a L-shape. It is commonly used for corners.
P-Frame
A system consisting of an enclosed utility chase supported by p-shaped support legs. The p-shaped support legs are either fixed in height or height adjustable through a telescoping inner leg member.
A-Frame
An A-frame support for a lab bench is similar to the H-frame. It has two supports of similar length at an angle of 45° or less.
U-Frame
U-frame supports have the shape of the letter U with the base of the support being the bottom of the U with the sides of the U shape being the legs that are attached to the bottom of the work surface.
Cantilever Frame
A bracket or frame supporting a surface tied to a support structure. It provides a modern, minimalistic appearance, and frees up the floor space.
Suspended Frame
Typically referring to casework and laboratory furniture accessories suspended from a frame and/or rail system. They are well-suited for laboratories requiring high levels of hygiene, as the area underneath can be cleaned easily.
C-Type Frame
The C-type frame is considered to be the sturdiest type of load bearing frame and consists of square or rectangular tubes that are arranged such that they look like the letter C when seen from the side. The legs of the frame extend to the width of the work surface while the back of the C shape determines the height of the lab bench and is the load bearing portion of the frame.
If storage modules are included in the structure, they hang from the top leg of the C shape. This arrangement makes it possible to easily clean under the lab bench. With most C-type frames, modules can be changed and rearranged to fit the needs of the lab bench user.
H-Type Frame
The H-type frame provides stability for mobile lab benches and analysis work stations. The H frame design can be used for supporting precision instruments and have the ability to support 1100 lbs. (500 kg). The legs of the H-type frame set firmly on the floor. The materials used to construct the legs determines the load capacity of a H-type frame lab bench. The portion of the frame that supports the work surface and has the width of the work surface is attached to two legs that extend from the work surface to the floor. The H shape comes from a cross bar that connects the legs and is placed at different heights along the legs up from the floor.
Cantilever Frame
A cantilever frame lab bench has a set of H-type frame legs that attach to a wall. At the top of the legs of the H shape are two arms that extend out from the wall and support the work surface. The design forms a comfortable work surface for electronic or computer work but is not suitable for holding heavy equipment. The height of the work surface can be easily adjusted and stools or chairs can be placed under the work surface when the surface is not in use.
Suspended Frame
A suspended lab bench frame is hung from rails or supports that are attached to the walls of the laboratory. Suspended lab bench frames are used for wall mounted lab benches where there is limited space in a laboratory. The rails of suspended lab bench frames have notches in them that make it possible to attach shelving, work surfaces, cabinets, cupboards, and other accessories to the assembly. In most cases, suspended lab bench frames have limited load bearing capacity but provide exceptionally easy access.
U-Type Frame
The frame of U-type frame lab bench supports is formed by twisting a single length of galvanized steel into the shape of the letter U. The horizontal and vertical sections are one solid piece of 2 mm (0.08 in) thick steel that is bent at a 90° angle at two parts of the tubing. The resulting shape has superior strength, weight bearing capabilities, and a firm solid base. To support the countertop, a small portion of the top of each leg of the U is further twisted 90°. Holes are drilled in the twisted part at the top of the legs to attach the countertop. Depending on the requirements for the lab bench, a cross bar may be added at the back of the U shapes to connect the set of supports. If mobility is required for the lab bench, casters can be added at the bottom, corners of the U-shaped supports.
Chapter 5: Lab Bench Accessories
The addition of accessories to a lab bench makes it possible to customize every type of lab bench regardless of its frame or countertop. The types of accessories vary widely depending on the use of the lab bench, the type of industry, and the materials that are examined or tested. The first and most common accessory is some form of computer support, which can be for a laptop computer or PC that can have a monitor extended on an arm.
LED Lighting – LED lighting is very common for permanent lab benches as a means for brightening the work surface.
Monitor Arms – There is an endless number of monitor arms that come in various lengths, depending on the user, and sizes of screens. They are very common and, in some cases, are automatically included with a lab bench.
Keyboard Tray – As with monitor arms, keyboard trays are a very common part of lab benches and can be attached to an arm that extends like that of a monitor arm. When laptops are used, a keyboard tray can have the shape of the laptop and may also provide WIFI connection to a monitor.
Power Manifold or Power Strip – As with computer accessories, power manifolds have become a common part of lab benches and can be a part of all types of lab benches including mobile lab benches. The configuration of power manifolds can take several different forms and include data ports with any number of outlets. The presence of a power manifold increases work efficiency and productivity.
Shelves – The use of shelves is very common with the number of shelves determined by the type of work. Additionally, the structure of a lab bench may or may not accommodate the inclusion of shelves in the lab bench structure.
Cupboards – As with shelves, storage cupboards may or may not be included with a lab bench due to the structure of the lab bench.
Storage Cubbies – A common accessory with lab benches for use with electronics is little organizational cubbies or small bins that can hold the many types of electrical components and connectors. Although they are common with electronics, they can also be used with any testing that involves small fragile or delicate components.
Fume Hood – Some laboratories work with chemicals that cannot be exposed to the atmosphere in the lab and require an enclosed space to control the fumes from such substances. A common method for isolating harmful fumes and substances is a fume hood, which is an essential part of cleanrooms but also has use in certain types of wet labs. A fume hood is an enclosed venting system that can fit over a countertop. They have ducting and fans that remove and filter fumes prior to releasing them into the outer atmosphere.
The few accessories listed here are a sampling of the many accessories that manufacturers provide to assist customers in the designing and engineering of lab benches to meet the needs of clients. The specialized nature of lab benches makes it necessary to offer a wide assortment of conveniences that help with efficiency and productivity.
Conclusion
A lab bench is a specially designed bench or table that is able to assist in the performance of laboratory experiments and tasks and the handling of reagents and test samples.
In the majority of cases, lab benches are the most important part of a research lab and are the biggest, heaviest, and most essential part of any experimental, R and D, and scientific environment.
The term lab bench is a generic descriptor for benches that have been custom designed to fit the needs of a wide variety of laboratories and experimental environments. The nature of the work that is being performed is the determining factor as to the type of lab bench that will be installed with the initial differentiating factor being wet or dry, which determine the types of accessories a lab bench will need.
Every piece of furniture, component, and piece of equipment for a lab environment is carefully chosen to fulfill the needs of the activities required by the lab. The initial selection process begins with the lab bench, which is chosen in conjunction with the work to be completed.
Lab benches are the most common part of a laboratory and serve as the foundation for the work that is to be completed. Dry and wet labs require different types of lab benches with ones for wet labs having more stringent and demanding requirements.
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