The contents of this article is everything you need to know about lab benches and their use.
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A laboratory bench is a customized table crafted to support various lab tasks and experiments, including the management of reagents and test specimens. During the creation of lab benches, attention is given to including finishes that withstand corrosion and reduce vibrations, both of which could negatively impact test outcomes and experiment precision.
Often serving as the pivotal element of a research lab, lab benches are typically the largest, sturdiest, and most essential items found in experimental, R&D, and scientific environments. They guarantee a solid, smooth, and non-porous workspace, complemented with connections and a range of accessories aimed at facilitating the seamless performance of critical activities.
The concept of a "lab bench" encompasses benches engineered to satisfy the particular needs of diverse lab and experimental environments. The selection of the specific lab bench is majorly based on the type of work in progress. A fundamental distinction is made between wet and dry lab benches, dictated by the needed accessories. Dry lab benches commonly offer extensive work surfaces, electrical hookups, and storage both above and below the bench. Conversely, wet lab benches are geared towards liquid processing, featuring racks for vessel storage, sinks for waste management, and comparatively limited work surfaces.
Each piece of laboratory furniture, component, and equipment in a laboratory environment is meticulously selected to meet the specific needs of the lab's activities. The process of lab design starts with choosing the ideal lab bench, which is selected based on the type of scientific work to be performed. A crucial aspect of a laboratory bench is its work surface, which can be engineered for either wet or dry laboratory procedures, depending on chemical or biological research requirements.
Lab benches are central to laboratory operations, providing durable and functional workspaces for scientific experiments and sample preparation, except in cases where experiments require special environments for large equipment or hazardous fumes, or cannot be performed on a horizontal surface. While they may appear to be simple flat tables, modern laboratory benches are equipped with integrated storage, utilities, and specialized accessories that support a wide range of laboratory tasks and workflows, which would be impractical or even damaging on standard workbenches or office desks.
Lab benches can be classified using three defining methods: by function, structure, and purpose. Each classification is further divided into subcategories that detail specific configurations and features, ensuring the bench supports laboratory safety, workflow efficiency, and compliance with lab standards.
Functional classifications are based on the type of lab work a bench supports and include:
There is often overlap between biological and chemical lab benches, as many biological benches must also withstand chemical exposure and provide utility integration, such as gas, water, and vacuum services essential for varied laboratory procedures.
Classifying lab benches by structure acknowledges the diversity of custom and modular laboratory furniture systems designed for highly technical and evolving scientific tasks. Generally, lab benches are classified based on their mobility and placement, including:
Material selection for frames and surfaces—ranging from 304/316 stainless steel and powder-coated steel to chemical-resistant laminates—is critical for safety, longevity, and usability, particularly in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals or industrial research labs.
Organizing lab workbenches by purpose addresses the diverse range of custom laboratory bench designs engineered for specific scientific workflows, processes, and safety requirements. For example, certain lab benches are designed for use in cleanrooms or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities. Generally, lab benches can be categorized by their intended purposes, which include:
The main lab bench types—such as island lab benches and sink lab benches—are foundational for most laboratory layouts. In contemporary lab design, lab benches are increasingly tailored to specific research settings, including analytical laboratories, teaching labs, and clinical lab environments.
Lab benches are also categorized based on the materials used in their work surfaces and frameworks, such as stainless steel, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, steel-wood combinations, and even high-durability plastics. Production methods vary as well, reflecting both European and American manufacturing standards, with custom fabrication available for unique install requirements.
A critical feature of every lab bench is the countertop surface, which is carefully selected based on the nature of testing, chemical compatibility, and hygienic requirements. Ideal countertops exhibit high temperature resistance, corrosion and chemical resistance, antimicrobial properties, and a firm, non-porous surface to meet the demands of both research and industrial laboratory applications.
Traditional lab benches are designed for general laboratory use, featuring robust support structures engineered to handle heavy loads and frequent use. Their countertops vary depending on the specific tasks, from basic chemical-resistant laminate to advanced epoxy resin. These laboratory benches are versatile, suitable for most laboratory environments where sinks or special containment aren't required. Traditional models are cost-effective and usually not tailored for unique hazards or specialized workflows, making them ideal for academic labs, quality control labs, and technical training centers.
These benches can be mobile or fixed, with various surface sizes, typically ranging from 36 inches to 96 inches (91 cm to 243 cm)—supporting flexible lab arrangements and easy reconfiguration. Their general-purpose design allows for access from multiple sides, optimizing material handling, collaboration, and equipment utilization.
Traditional laboratory benches remain highly reliable, constructed to meet stringent safety and durability standards. Their resemblance to sturdy tables enables seamless integration in a variety of laboratory settings.
The evolution of modern scientific research and technological development has created a significant demand for custom lab workbenches. Certain procedures, cutting-edge experiments, and niche applications require benches engineered with unique specifications. Custom laboratory workbenches are increasingly preferred as many traditional models may lack features critical for advanced pharmaceutical, chemical, or electronics research.
Every detail of a custom lab workstation—from ergonomic configurations to safety and utility integration—is scrutinized and tailored during the design and manufacturing process. Custom features can include height-adjustable worktops, modular utility raceways, specialized ESD surfaces, integrated fume extraction, advanced storage solutions, or climate control capabilities. Material choices, such as powder-coated steel frames, stainless steel, or specialty laminates, are made to ensure chemical compatibility, durability, and compliance with laboratory safety standards.
Quality of construction and work surface materials can greatly affect research outcomes and operational safety. Poorly configured or constructed workbenches risk compromising the integrity of sensitive studies or even imperiling lab personnel. Close collaboration between laboratory planners, end users, and manufacturers ensures the final product is tailored perfectly for both current experiments and evolving research needs.
Additional considerations for custom benches often include compliance with laboratory safety standards (such as OSHA or ISO requirements), incorporation of anti-vibration features for sensitive instruments, and the use of antimicrobial and easy-to-clean materials for biosafety or clinical labs.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) lab benches address a critical workplace hazard: the uncontrolled transfer of static electricity, which can disrupt sensitive electronics, contaminate cleanroom environments, and pose risks in laboratories working with flammable substances. These specialized benches are essential for electronics laboratories, microchip manufacturing, semiconductor testing, and other precision electronic applications.
Featuring ESD laminate materials with embedded carbon layers, these laboratory benches safely dissipate static discharges. They are engineered to manage up to 100,000 ohms, with worktops, shelving, and accessories continuously grounded via steel supports and grounded bolts. This setup protects delicate electronic components, maintains product quality, and meets ESD compliance requirements set by regulatory bodies like ANSI/ESD S20.20.
Mobile lab benches offer scalable flexibility for dynamic laboratory spaces. Easily repositionable and capable of supporting heavy laboratory equipment (up to 600 lbs. or 272 kg), these benches save costs, simplify installation, and allow laboratories to reconfigure work areas as research requirements or staffing needs change. Mobile lab benches are ideal in multi-purpose labs, research institutions, educational settings, and cleanrooms requiring frequent reorganization for different projects or processes.
Engineered for convenience, these benches are equipped with robust castors, adjustable shelving, integrated power strips, and modular storage. However, due to their mobility, plumbing integration and sinks are typically unavailable, making them best suited for dry laboratories or peripheral workspaces in larger facilities. Mobile lab benches remain a preferred choice for laboratories focused on efficiency, workflow flexibility, and rapid adaptation to new technologies or research needs.
Some laboratories, particularly those with limited floor space or modular construction requirements, benefit from wall-mounted lab benches (also called suspended benches). These economical lab fixtures free up central workspace, create accessible walkways, and enable flexible equipment placement for scientific experiments and analysis.
Wall-mounted benches often incorporate plumbing, electrical, and data connections within the wall mounting, enabling highly customized, space-efficient layouts. Modular design allows for reconfiguration, including swapping countertops, adding upper shelving, and integrating cabinetry. These benches commonly feature sinks and drying racks—essential for wet lab environments. Countertops are typically made from ceramic or stainless steel for exceptional chemical and water resistance, meeting hygiene and safety standards required in high-throughput or clinical laboratories.
Dry lab benches are designed for settings that focus on computational, analytical, and electronic work rather than experimental manipulation of liquids or hazardous chemicals. Common in data analysis labs, physics departments, engineering labs, and electronics testing environments, these benches provide stable, level, and non-conductive surfaces for sensitive equipment.
Core features include integrated power management, shelving for instruments, monitor stands, and extensive cable management solutions. Benchtops are made from wood, durable plastics, or chemical-resistant laminate—materials chosen for durability, ease of cleaning, and minimal electrostatic buildup. Dry lab workbenches emphasize ergonomic design to optimize comfort during extended periods of data collection, programming, or analysis, aligning with broader laboratory design trends prioritizing worker health and efficiency.
In contrast, wet lab benches are engineered for laboratory environments where manipulation of chemicals, biological agents, and liquids pose greater risk. Used extensively in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and chemical analysis, wet lab benches support sample preparation, mixing, titration, and cleaning operations that require robust chemical resistance and integrated waste management.
Key features include corrosion-resistant and non-porous countertops (commonly epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or stainless steel), integrated sinks, splash guards, and access to plumbing and drainage. Storage is includes for reagents and safety PPE. Central benches are typically installed with fixed utilities to ensure safe, compliant waste disposal and to support high-activity experimental areas. Wall-mounted and mobile benches in wet labs serve supplementary roles for storage and workflow optimization.
These benches are also designed with spill containment features, anti-microbial coatings, and chemical-resistant surfaces, in accordance with biosafety and quality assurance protocols central to regulated industries.
Ergonomic lab benches are designed to address the growing concerns about laboratory worker safety, productivity, and comfort. Poorly designed workstations can contribute to repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and decreased productivity. As awareness of occupational health expands, lab bench manufacturers now offer manual or electronic height-adjustable benches and modular accessories to accommodate different body types and work styles.
Modern ergonomic laboratory benches ensure stable, customizable work surfaces. Adjustments can be made to height, depth, and width, enhancing efficiency for various scientific tasks—ranging from repetitive pipetting to heavy equipment handling. The optimal surface height is dictated by factors such as equipment footprint, experiment complexity, assembly techniques, and whether seated or standing work is required.
After extensive research, laboratory furniture manufacturers have documented the following benefits for ergonomic lab benches:
Injury Prevention: Adjustable, supportive design greatly reduces risk of laboratory-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lower back pain.
Comfort and Efficiency: Improved fit for users decreases fatigue and enhances focus during long experiments and data analysis sessions.
Cost Savings: Although initial investments may be higher, reduced health issues and increased productivity offset long-term costs.
Adaptability: The flexibility of ergonomic benches makes them a universal choice, supporting various laboratory setups from research to teaching and industrial labs.
Other trends include integration of anti-fatigue mats, sit-stand configurations, and smart features for workflow tracking—further aligning ergonomic benches with broader digital laboratory transformation goals.
Laboratory tables serve as versatile, multipurpose surfaces in research and production environments. Unlike specialized laboratory benches, lab tables offer enhanced flexibility, portability, and adaptability to a variety of settings, including chemistry labs, physics classrooms, and materials analysis facilities. Their primary use is as adjustable work surfaces for equipment setup, experimentation, and auxiliary functions within a laboratory environment.
When choosing laboratory tables, key considerations include intended applications, durability requirements, surface properties (such as chemical- or spill-resistance), and integrated features. Typical components include:
Lab tables can be constructed with materials appropriate for either dry or wet lab settings, such as high-pressure laminate, epoxy resin, or stainless steel, meeting the requirements of both everyday use and specialized laboratory applications.
Vibration isolation laboratory tables are essential for facilities using sensitive analytical or testing equipment—such as precision balances, microscopes, spectrometers, or medical diagnostics instruments. External vibrations from HVAC systems, building traffic, or mechanical equipment can compromise measurement accuracy, making vibration-dampening solutions critical for scientific research, quality control, and industrial applications.
These tables feature state-of-the-art air isolation legs or pneumatic stabilizers, delivering passive vibration control across a broad frequency range (typically 1Hz to 10Hz). Countertops are often composed of dense stone or composite with steel support structures, with regulated air or nitrogen pressure maintaining stability. Accessories include retractable casters for mobility, adjustable workstation height, and integrated power solutions for operating electronic lab instruments.
Additional customizations—such as keyboard and monitor support, modular shelving, and cable management—make vibration isolation lab tables indispensable in high-precision environments seeking optimal instrument performance and reliable experimental data.
Lab benches are essential fixtures in any laboratory or research environment, serving as the primary workstations for conducting scientific experiments, sample analysis, and technical tasks. Their structural design and construction directly impact laboratory workflow, safety, and efficiency. The requirements for laboratory benches can differ considerably between dry labs—where electronics, instrumentation, and data processing are prioritized—and wet labs, which demand higher standards of chemical resistance, moisture-proofing, and hygiene. A thoughtfully constructed laboratory workbench, using appropriate materials and construction methods, is crucial for meeting stringent industry standards and ensuring optimal productivity and compliance with safety regulations.
The main considerations when constructing a lab workbench are the countertop material and the frame or base. Selecting the right countertop is vital for supporting laboratory equipment, glassware, and other apparatus. Meanwhile, the bench frame defines the weight capacity, stability, and overall ruggedness of the laboratory furniture. The right combination of these elements enhances the performance, service life, and safety profile of the workstation—factors that are key decision drivers when purchasing laboratory furniture.
Choosing the perfect laboratory countertop material is a primary concern during the laboratory bench specification process. The countertop serves as the critical work surface, bearing the brunt of chemical spills, heat exposure, repetitive cleaning, and frequent use of laboratory instruments and hand tools. An effective lab workbench countertop must be non-porous to prevent contamination, withstand exposure to reactive chemicals, and be easy to clean and disinfect to maintain a sterile environment. Different specialized surface materials are designed to meet the unique demands of specific scientific applications.
Epoxy resin countertops are engineered through a chemical reaction between two polymers, forming a tough, non-porous surface. Renowned for their outstanding chemical resistance, heat tolerance, and long-lasting performance, epoxy resin surfaces are the top choice for wet labs and environments exposed to harsh reagents. Epoxy countertops can withstand acids, bases, solvents, UV exposure, and physical abrasion, making them ideal for demanding research, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology applications. Their seamless construction eliminates gaps where contaminants might accumulate, further supporting lab cleanliness and biosafety protocols.
The eye-catching high gloss finish of epoxy resin counters facilitates superior light reflectivity, greatly enhancing visibility during precision work, and contributes to fast and effective sanitization. For laboratory renovation or new construction projects prioritizing durability and performance, epoxy resin continues to set the industry benchmark for lab furniture and scientific workbench design.
Phenolic resin countertops are composed of layers of kraft paper saturated with a phenol-formaldehyde resin and consolidated under heat and pressure. While not as robust as epoxy resin, they are a favored choice for educational labs or routine analytical tasks, and are increasingly used in university teaching labs, food testing labs, and healthcare settings. Phenolic resin surfaces offer exceptional chemical, bacterial, and fungal resistance, and are easy to clean. Their lightweight composition simplifies installation and reconfiguration in modular laboratories.
As a cost-effective alternative to epoxy, phenolic resin delivers approximately 90% of the chemical and moisture resistance at a fraction of the cost, with pricing typically between $15 and $18 per square foot. Epoxy resin options range from $100 to $200 per square foot, catering to projects with higher performance or longevity requirements. Thanks to their superior anti-microbial properties and moisture-sealed surfaces, phenolic resin lab benches are extensively used in laboratories that demand strict contamination control, such as medical diagnostics labs and clinical research facilities.
Phenolic resin countertops withstand continuous exposure to standard laboratory chemicals, frequent cleaning, water, and humidity. They resist corrosion, inhibit bacterial growth, and can tolerate temperatures up to 350°F (177°C), making them ideal for diverse laboratory applications.
Stainless steel lab bench countertops stand out for their exceptional mechanical strength, outstanding resistance to corrosion and rust, and unparalleled longevity. They are highly sought after for high-throughput clinical laboratories, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biosafety lab environments. Stainless steel’s unique properties—including a naturally formed oxide layer—provide outstanding protection against scratches, chips, and impact damage. The ability to withstand rigorous cleaning and sterilization with strong disinfectants makes them indispensable where hygiene and decontamination are paramount.
Stainless steel counter surfaces are non-porous, smooth, and compliant with strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines. With high heat resistance up to 1400°F (760°C), they perform reliably under the most challenging laboratory conditions, including autoclaving and flame sterilization. Their initial investment—usually $80 to $225 per square foot—reflects lasting quality, with most installations achieving decades of service with minimal maintenance. Many biotech, microbiology, and food science laboratories specify stainless steel for lab workbenches to achieve NSF/ANSI and ISO cleanroom standards.
Polypropylene countertops offer a compelling combination of being lightweight, highly chemical-resistant, and non-reactive. This engineered thermoplastic is ideal for specialized chemical and analytical laboratory applications where exposure to aggressive acids, bases, or solvents is routine—such as handling hydrofluoric acid or chromic acid. Polypropylene's low moisture absorption and inertness make it a front-runner for use in trace element analysis, environmental testing labs, and situations where contamination must be minimized.
Manufactured by thermally welding sheets (ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch thick) for a seamless finish, polypropylene countertops resist stubborn stains, constant water contact, and chemical corrosion. Their excellent flexibility helps absorb impacts and prevents cracking under stress. The high melting point—327°F (164°C)—and FDA compliance also make polypropylene a sustainable and practical choice, as it is recyclable at the end of its service life. For green building certifications and LEED projects, polypropylene lab benches offer an environmentally friendly solution.
ESD work surfaces are engineered for laboratories and cleanrooms where static-sensitive equipment is used—such as electronics assembly, microelectronics, and precision weighing. Static accumulation from friction can disrupt experiments, damage sensitive circuits, or create manufacturing defects. ESD laminate countertops combine high-pressure laminate with a layer of carbon, forming a conductive surface to dissipate harmful static charges and enforce electrostatic discharge (ESD) controls in line with industry standards such as ANSI/ESD S20.20.
Effective management of static electricity is critical in labs handling volatile chemicals, precision balances, or semiconductor manufacturing. ESD countertops safeguard procedures by creating a zero-potential ground, eliminating electrostatic harm to sensitive devices, samples, and personnel. Their application helps maintain cleanroom protocols, ensures measurement accuracy, and supports laboratory safety and quality assurance practices.
In industrial and laboratory settings, using ESD-compliant surfaces not only reduces the risk of fire or equipment malfunction, but also complies with regulatory and quality standards demanded by electronics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing industries. These ESD-safe solutions are indispensable for modern R&D laboratories prioritizing process reliability and safety compliance.
High-pressure laminate (HPL) countertops are produced from layers of paper impregnated with phenolic resin, fused together by heat and pressure. This results in a durable, scratch-resistant, and fire-resistant work surface that provides excellent value for general laboratory operations. HPL countertops are commonly specified for school science rooms, quality control labs, and pilot research spaces where robust performance is required and chemical exposure is moderate.
Although HPL is a budget-friendly alternative for laboratory bench tops, it is not recommended for wet labs due to its vulnerability to acid attack. Strong mineral acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, or nitric acid, can cause surface etching and irreversible damage, making HPL most suitable for dry labs, light research tasks, engineering labs, or office-adjacent laboratory spaces. When selecting cost-effective laboratory furniture, HPL offers a balance of functionality and affordability for applications with low risk of chemical exposure.
Ceramic laboratory countertops are widely considered the premier choice in high-performance scientific workspaces. Composed of kaolin, clay, porcelain stone, lime glaze, and related minerals, ceramic countertops combine extraordinary heat resistance (withstanding up to 2732°F / 1500°C) with superior chemical inertness. These laboratory worktops are ideal for environments with persistent exposure to concentrated acids, alkalis, and aggressive cleaning practices, such as analytical, pharmaceutical, and industrial process control labs.
Ceramic lab benches feature outstanding resistance to scratching, abrasion, and high impact. Anti-microbial and non-flammable, they provide a safe and hygienic surface for sterile applications and clean manufacturing environments. Although the cost of ceramic countertops surpasses that of stainless steel, their longevity, dimensional stability, and minimal maintenance requirements deliver exceptional value over the lifecycle of a laboratory facility. Special features include consistent surface hardness, anti-aging properties, pollution resistance, and immunity to ionizing or thermal radiation. Laboratory furniture designers and facility managers often specify ceramic work surfaces for their long-term performance, regulatory compliance, and ability to support rapid cleaning cycles and demanding laboratory protocols.
Beyond countertop choices, selecting the appropriate lab bench frame is critical in optimizing the performance, ergonomics, and flexibility of laboratory furniture. Common frame materials include:
Modern laboratory benches often incorporate modular construction techniques, allowing for efficient integration with fume hoods, sinks, shelving, utility channeling, and custom storage solutions. Adjustable height frames, anti-vibration features, and ergonomic design elements further enhance usability and safety—crucial for workflows involving precision instrumentation or sample preparation.
When evaluating and purchasing laboratory benches, it is essential to assess user requirements, compliance needs, and facility constraints. Key purchasing criteria include:
By understanding the unique needs of your laboratory and matching them with the right bench construction materials and methods, you can create a safe, efficient, and durable laboratory workspace tailored to your scientific goals.
The countertop is a fundamental component of a lab bench, providing the essential surface for conducting laboratory tasks. Equally important are the supports that uphold the countertop and bear the weight placed on it, known as the lab bench frame. There are several common frame types used in lab benches, including L-frame, P-frame, A-frame, U-frame, C-frame, cantilever, suspended, and H-frame. Each frame type influences the load-bearing capacity of the lab bench. The overall strength and durability of the frame depend significantly on the quality of the welds used in the frame's construction.
| 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. |
The C-frame is known for its exceptional sturdiness, featuring square or rectangular tubes configured to form a shape resembling the letter C when viewed from the side. The frame's legs span the width of the work surface, while the vertical back of the C provides the primary support and height of the lab bench.
When storage modules are incorporated into a C-frame, they are suspended from the top leg of the C. This design facilitates easy cleaning beneath the lab bench. Additionally, most C-frame setups allow for flexible rearrangement and adjustment of modules to meet the specific needs of the lab bench user.
The H-type frame is designed to offer robust stability for mobile lab benches and analytical workstations. This frame can support up to 1100 lbs. (500 kg) and is particularly suited for holding precision instruments. Its legs are firmly anchored to the floor, with the load capacity largely influenced by the materials used in their construction. The structure includes a crossbar that spans between the legs, creating the H shape, and is positioned at various heights along the legs to support the work surface.
A cantilever frame lab bench features H-type legs that are anchored to a wall. Two horizontal arms extend from the top of these legs, supporting the work surface. This design is ideal for tasks involving electronics or computer work, offering a clean, accessible workspace. However, it is not designed for heavy equipment. The height of the work surface is adjustable, allowing for stools or chairs to be positioned underneath when the bench is not in use.
A suspended lab bench frame is affixed to the walls of a laboratory via rails or supports. This type of frame is commonly used in wall-mounted lab benches, particularly in spaces with limited floor area. The rails feature notches for attaching various components such as shelving, work surfaces, cabinets, and cupboards. While suspended frames typically have a lower load-bearing capacity, they offer exceptional ease of access and flexibility in configuration.
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.
Lab bench accessories allow for customization of various bench types, regardless of their frame or countertop materials. These accessories cater to the specific requirements of different industries and types of work. A key accessory is computer support, which can accommodate laptops or PCs and may include monitor arms for extended screens.
LED Lighting – LED lighting is commonly integrated into permanent lab benches to enhance visibility on the work surface.
Monitor Arms – Monitor arms come in various lengths and sizes to support different screen configurations. They are frequently included with lab benches or can be added as needed.
Keyboard Tray – Keyboard trays are often attached to monitor arms or stand-alone mounts. For laptops, trays may be designed to fit the laptop’s form and can include features such as wireless connectivity to monitors.
Power Manifold or Power Strip – Power manifolds are essential for providing electrical outlets and data ports on lab benches, including mobile versions. They improve workspace efficiency by centralizing power and connectivity.
Shelves – Shelves are commonly added to lab benches based on the specific needs of the work being conducted. The bench’s design will determine whether shelves can be included.
Cupboards – Storage cupboards may be part of the lab bench design or added separately, depending on the bench’s structure and storage needs.
Storage Cubbies – For laboratories dealing with electronics or delicate components, small organizational cubbies or bins help manage various parts and connectors. These are useful for maintaining organization and protecting sensitive items.
Fume Hood – In labs handling hazardous chemicals, fume hoods provide a controlled environment to manage fumes and protect users. These enclosed systems, which include ducting and filtration, are essential for cleanrooms and specific wet labs to safely handle and exhaust harmful substances.
This list of accessories represents just a fraction of the options available to enhance lab benches, underscoring the need for a diverse range of features to support various research and testing activities effectively.
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