Laboratory Worktables- The perfect workbenches for laboratories

1. Laboratory Worktables- The perfect workbenches for laboratories Working tables are the essential equipment a laboratory must possess. Be it a biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, pathological, or toxicological laboratory; worktables are a must. The functionality of worktables depends on the domain of the work. For instance, industrial worktables can get exposure to heavyweight materials, chemicals, heat, and pressure. The makeup of those tables is done accordingly, to fit in the requirements well. Similarly, the worktables of medical facilities are smaller in size and usually made up of stainless steel. The laboratory worktables are chiefly made up of high-quality wood or stainless steel, which reacts the least with the laboratory substances. Different types of worktables- designs and purposes The few most frequent and commonly used laboratory worktables are mentioned below. Island Worktable- This variety of worktable is primarily used in laboratories where all the four sides are open for use. This offers a central working surface and also comes with additional drain line, electricity lines and gas lines as per requirements. However, these amenities can be detached from the tables. The heights of the table come in comfortable heights and are often adjustable. Wall table- This type of laboratory worktable usually remains attached along an entire wall. It not only allows maximum working space, but also offers enough space to place some island worktables over it. The entire set-up increases the working space and efficiency of the working table to several folds. Instrumentation tables- This category of laboratory worktables are efficient in bearing more workload and pressure. These come necessarily with electricity connectivity and high stability. These effectively nullify vibration effects and are safe against electricity faults. These tables usually comprise of granite slabs, plywood, and table frames; sandwiched together. They are efficient enough to bear a work load of 100kg/ square feet. School laboratory worktables- This category of laboratory worktables are very specific to lightweight uses, especially in school labs like physics labs, chemistry labs, biology labs, and even computer labs. These are usually smaller than other laboratory worktables depending on the size of the laboratory room. Healthcare laboratory worktables- Laboratory worktables in healthcare centres are quite robust and specific in design. They are usually compartmentalized and contain shelves and drawers to pacify the immediate needs. Research laboratory worktable- This category of worktables are nothing different from the college laboratory worktables. They are equally big and wide, providing enough surfaces to carry out laboratory experiments.

2. The design, features, customisation, and durability of the laboratory worktables highly depends on the needs, work choices, and manufacturing brand. The building material of these worktables can be of various materials. High-pressure laminate, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, stainless steel, butcher-block, and high-density polyethylene are some of the most frequently used building materials for carving out the best laboratory worktables. All of these materials impart extreme durability and robust construction to the worktables. Customization options are also available in these tables. Additional wheels, electricity supply, cables, light system and drainage facilities can be built as per requirements. Choosing the appropriate design of worktable in a laboratory is quite essential. There are quite a few models of laboratory worktables available in the market. The regular table type is the most common and simple in construction. It is a simple open table form and serves for open experimental uses. In contrast, the cabinet types offer enclosed surfaced, with secured drawers and storage slots to keep immediate essentials handy. There are portable types also available, where the worktables are fitted with small wheels. These portable varieties are mostly seen in pharmaceutical laboratories and medical centres. These are surely more expensive than the regular ones and also provides better working experience. How affordable are these laboratory worktables? The affordability quotient of these laboratory worktables highly depend on the size, building material, customizations, design, and different other factors. However, they vary in price from the cheaper simple table type ones to the more expensive customized and portable ones. The quality of the building material is also a deciding factor when it comes to affordability of the laboratory worktables. The fixtures used, the binding materials, polishing and table’s stands are also gauged while deciding the price of a laboratory worktable. How to choose the perfect laboratory worktables? To select the perfect laboratory worktable is not only necessary, but also challenging at times. Based on the work type, a perfect worktable is a must. In case of tissue culture laboratories, the worktables are generally made of stainless steel, to ensure least contamination and they can be cleaned frequently with 70% ethanol. Stainless steel never reacts with this percentage of alcohol. Thus, stainless steel worktables are the best option for microbiological, molecular and biotechnology laboratories. Similarly, in chemical labs, wooden worktables are the most opted ones. Wood being least reactive poses zero threat of accidents while dealing with corrosive and hazardous chemicals. Thus, the category of samples or material dealt with in a laboratory, specifies the class of worktables that might be suitable for use.