Laboratory Worksurface is the most important component of laboratory furniture. Selecting the right material for specific lab requirement and processes is critical. When selecting worksurface it is crucial to consider factors such as durability, resistance to chemicals and stains, ease of maintenance and decontamination, and resistance to damage. Laboratory Solutions offers a range of worksurfaces suitable for various laboratory applications”.
Ceramic
Solid ceramic worktop with glazed glossy surface. The thickness is 28 mm without raised edges and 32 mm with raised edges.
Ceramics are made of sand, feldspathic, clay and natural coloring pigments. Which is pressed and heated at a temperature of about 1200 degrees. This makes the surface completely closed, ensuring that the product requires minimal maintenance, and make it very hygienic.
The ceramic worktops are resistant to scratches and heat and it does not absorb liquids.
| Level of Chemical Resistance | Excellent |
| Critical substances | Hydrofluoric acid |
| Mechanical resistance | Good |
| Recommended for use | Moisture or wet area, high temperature load areas, areas with stress on chemical load. |
| Not for use in | Hydrofluoric acid applications |
| Critical temperature | 800 °C |
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin worktop is made by a combination of epoxy, silica hardener and fillers, which is moulded and oven-cured. The hardening process creates a surface with excellent durability and outstanding chemical resistance.
The worktop is also easy to clean, disinfect and maintain. The worktop is available with or without raised edges.
| Level of Chemical Resistance | Very good |
| Critical substances | Sulphuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, potassium permanganate, Various solvents |
| Mechanical resistance | Fair, sensitive to scratches |
| Recommended for use | Moisture or wet area, high temperature load areas, areas with stress on chemical load. |
| Not for use in | Listed critical substances chemical applications |
| Critical temperature | 300 °C |
| Thickness available: | 19mm & 25mm |
| Colour available | Black & Grey |
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is made of resin impregnated paper, which is compressed under high pressure and heat. The top and bottom layers consist of coloured laminate paper impregnated with melamine, which provides a very durable and a clean-friendly surface.
| Level of Chemical Resistance | Good |
| Critical substances | Hydrofluoric acid, Nitric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide |
| Mechanical resistance | Limited with permanent damage |
| Recommended for use | Moisture and wet area, low class microbiology areas |
| Not for use in | High chemical load areas |
| Critical temperature | 135 °C |
| Thickness available | 16, 20 and 25mm |
Stainless Steel
The worktop consists of 1.5 mm thick steel, glued on a sheet and have raised edge on 4 sides.
The thickness is 30 mm without raised edges and 34.5 mm with raised edges.
The characteristic of acid-proof stainless steel is that in addition to 12% chromium and 8% nickel, it also contains 2-3% molybdenum, which makes steel quality more corrosion-resistant, especially under acidic and oxygen-poor conditions. Oxygen resistant stainless steel is clean, hygienic and long lasting.
| Level of Chemical Resistance | Fair |
| Critical substances | Mineral acids (hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric hydrofluoric), cadmium, lactic acid) |
| Mechanical resistance | Good |
| Recommended for use | Moisture or wet area, high temperature load areas, areas with stress on decontamination, clean area |
| Not for use in | High chemical load areas |
| Critical temperature | 180 °C |
Solid Wood
Maple bench tops, also known as butcher block, are robust and forgiving in physically demanding environments. The finish, DURAKRYL 102, is a tough, acrylic coating that repels alcohol, bleach and most household solvents. This is one of the few materials that can take hard wear and tear, be resurfaced or repaired without any special tools or particular skill, and end up looking as great as ever. Keep in mind that this material is ideal for physical testing environments. It is suitable for use in biological areas, but has poor chemical resistance properties.
| Appearance: | Natural Wood |
| Chemical Resistance: | Poor |
| Heat Resistance: | Good |
| Moisture Resistance: | Poor |
Advantages:
The Maple wood is best work surfaces for Industrial, Institutional and lab with minimal chemical, moisture or bacteria exposure. it is wood and it will burn – No open flame.
Solid Surface
Solid ceramic worktops are used where the appearance with the properties of prime importance. it offers seamless installation, which give scopes for high degree of creativity. Solid surface sinks are used with practically no visibility of joint.
| Level of Chemical Resistance | Limited |
| Critical substances | Most aggressive acids, solvents, bases and oxidants |
| Mechanical resistance | Limited with permanent damage |
| Recommended for use | Moisture and wet area |
| Not for use in | High chemical load areas |
| Critical temperature | 160 °C |
Granite
Granite is one of the most durable and attractive of all-natural stones. Due to its resistance to flaking, scratching and scorching, granite is an ideal material for worktops. Available in a wide range of surface finishes to suit the project specification. Granite worktops are available with edges Flat /Straight, Eased, Bevel, quarter round and half bullnose.
Advantages
The Granite worktop is perfect on hot resistance and weak chemical resistance. Recemented for Antivibration Table, areas in which work is conducted using analytical heavy devises and moderate chemical load worktops.
Laminate
High pressure laminate laboratory countertops are budget-friendly and work well in many areas. Laminate laboratory countertops are simply a “face” layer of 0.8mm thickness on both side laminate secured to a core (WBP) plywood under elevated temperature and pressure. The properties of the “face” layer can vary and different “grades” of laminate tops are available. Laminate worktops are available with post-shaped edges or edges and edges shall be finished with 3mm thick PVC edging bonded by means of hot melt glue at 205degrees Celsius The worktop thickness is 18,24&30mm
Advantages
Worktop with limited level of chemical resistance, Areas in writing desks, Reception counter, office Tables and moderate chemical resistance, clean surface.
