We’ve often been asked:

Are RDM science lab tables and workbenches safe for use with chemicals?”

The short answer is Yes.

However, you’ll want to choose the right tabletop material for the best resistance.

Polyurethane Painted Metal

Polyurethane coating is suitable for use in labs and industrial settings due to its excellent chemical resistance. As a highly versatile material, the chemical resistance of polyurethane largely depends on its formulation and application. RDM’s polyurethane painted metal tables are formulated to withstand short-term chemical splashes.

We suggest cleaning and drying the spot as quickly as possible. Failing to wipe away any chemical can wear down the polyurethane and lead to lasting damage. Essentially, you shouldn’t have to worry about catastrophic reactions. However, it’s important to note, long-term exposure can wear down the polyurethane, leaving the underlying material exposed. All things considered, it’s definitely a suitable material for most labs. Just as long as you are sure the table can be quickly cleaned and dried if spills do occur.

For comparison, polyurethane painted metal is as resistant as a powder coating. Those with extensive lab experience will understand how reliable this is. You can expect minimal to no reaction to most acids and corrosives. Those that do produce a reaction are small and easily manageable. As long as you can clean the table quickly we suggest this type of table for your lab.

Solid Phenolic

Phenolic resin is one of the most chemically-resistant materials available. It’s often used in a variety of labs and industrial applications. It’s also commonly used in public bathrooms for durable and resistant partitions. This is made by applying phenolic resin to multiple layers of material and then pressing them into the desired shape. In this case, crafting a lab table for your needs.

Solid phenolic is a highly resistant material ideal for use with chemicals and heat. While we still suggest cleaning and drying the area quickly to avoid long-term damage, phenolic resin is capable of withstanding corrosive exposure with minimal effects. It’s an ideal material for lab use where corrosives are the norm. This science lab table top material can be applied to many of our tables. It’s common to find these science lab tables used in industrial settings where the highest resistance is needed against acids, corrosives, and strong chemicals in general.

Epoxy Resin

Cured epoxy resins are one of the most resistant lab tabletop materials available and can withstand a wide range of different corrosives and chemicals. It achieves high ratings in chemical resistance tests and often minimally reacts or has no reaction at all to even harsh corrosives that quickly destroy other materials. As a nonporous material that can be easily applied to most surfaces, we can use this as a top layer coating on most of our tables. You’ll find it as an option for nearly all of our lab tables and workbenches.

Epoxy resin can withstand many different corrosives, but it’s uniquely suited for alkaline chemicals. That’s not to say it’s weak against acids. It’s highly resistant to both, but you’ll see it shine brightest against harsh alkaline chemicals. We recommend this top material for industrial labs where most projects involve corrosives. This will give you a table that will withstand many spills.

Laminated Wood

Laminated wood is surprisingly resistant to chemicals and would be incredible for home use. While it’s not the hardiest material for an industrial lab, it does provide light-duty resistance against a wide range of corrosive chemicals and is an affordable option where corrosives are used sometimes or rarely.

Much like with a polyurethane coating, we suggest cleaning and drying any spots as quickly as possible to avoid damage. As long as the laminate coating is well maintained, then chemicals like mineral acids and organic acids will have little effect. Long-term exposure can wear down the coating, so be sure to care for it and this table should last a long time. For extra protection, we have provided a solid phenolic backer on the underside for even more chemical resistance and industrial viability.

RDM Science Lab Tables Are a Great Choice…

RDM science lab tables and workbenches are safe to use with chemicals and are resistant to many acids, corrosive materials, and other chemicals that wear through other table materials. Picking the right material is essential to achieving the level of protection you need. Laminated wood is ideal for home or school use with some limited industrial lab use as long as you are careful.

Polyurethane is very resistant, but be sure to clean any spills quickly to maintain the table’s integrity. A solid phenolic table or epoxy resin are both uniquely suited for harsh industrial chemicals. Both resist strong acids and alkaline chemicals. Find out more about these top layers by looking through our catalog of industrial lab tables.

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What ensures the functionality of lab tables in such a precision-demanding work environment is the features of the table. To cater to the exact requirements of the application, these laboratory tables have various features such as:

Height Adjustable Microscope Tables:

When using a microscope, it is necessary to level the eye perfectly, in order to get a clear look of the specimen. When people of varying heights are working together, this can turn out to be an issue with a standard style table. However, with the use of adjustable height tables, researchers can simply adjust the table height to ensure that the microscope is at the right level.

Stainless Steel Lift Tables:

Stainless steel lab table is extremely popular due to the high strength and durability offered by the table along with great corrosion resistance. Such work tables also serve as sturdy and smooth work surfaces, facilitating experiments and other scientific functionalities. In many instances, labs require certain specimens to be examined from various and different angles. To facilitate this, many science lab tables are characterized by a lift.

Laboratory Benches with Storage:

Various laboratory benches are designed with the option to facilitate storage. These tables feature an upper shelf for storage of important tools, chemicals or specimen. This also facilitates easy access to the materials needed for the experiment, being kept just above the table.

Surface Customizations:

Depending on the kind of materials used in the laboratory space and their nature, many styles of science lab tables can be customized. You can choose a work surface that can withstand the harsh chemicals and toxins which the table withstands. You can opt for plastic laminate to prevent scratches in a work environment. Phenolic surfaces should be used for spaces using standard chemicals. For regular lab usage, epoxy resin serves as the best choice, being resistant to moisture, heat and regular chemicals.

Fume Filters:

Certain Laboratory tables have filters to control the fume emissions from gaseous, liquid and solid chemicals. These fume hoods are the perfect choice for laboratory spaces because they use anti-acid and anti-corrosion materials. These have an air filter, an air flow monitor and an air flow meter.

Apart from the five key features listed above, there are several other beneficial aspects of laboratory tables that enhance its functionality and make it is suitable for the harsh laboratory environment. Modular table frames, suspended units, workstations, light tables, and various other features make these tables versatile and flexible for the lab environment. Thus, these tables are quite popular in labs.

Customized Lab Tables

Various industrial and laboratory furniture manufacturers offer custom made lab benches as well. You can get a table with the necessary features for your application, and according to your size and space requirements. This will ensure that the table fits perfectly into your workflow and enhances the productivity and efficiency of your laboratory.

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The size of your laboratory

One of the worst mistakes buyers make when purchasing lab tables or other science equipment is forgetting to consider the size of their laboratory. This negatively affects their performance when undertaking experiments in the lab. If you want to buy a laboratory table, ensure you measure your room. Measuring the table at the science equipment store is one thing, but it doesn’t mean much if you haven’t measured your workroom. When taking the measurements, make sure you also consider the size of the hallway, doors, and stairs.

The Surface

There are at least four types of science table surfaces. Most buyers don’t know this. Perhaps this is due to the fact that most cleanroom tables have black surfaces. It’s advisable to choose a science table surface that meets your daily needs. This will ensure your lab tables can withstand the chemicals your workroom is exposed to. Here are the four types of science table surfaces.

• Plastic Laminate- This is the most popular surface. The surface comes with a classic black laminate that is highly resistant to scratching from everyday use. Most people go for this table because it’s economical and is resistant to most chemicals found in the lab. However, this surface has limited resistance to severe chemicals and high temperatures. Tables with this surface are best used for harmless non-liquid experiments.

• Chemguard Laminate- This laminate has all features found in the standard black laminate. However, this surface has better wear rating and superior resistance to chemicals than standard black laminate. Tables with these surfaces are best when using weaker chemicals and heat sources.

• Phenolic- These tables are mostly found in high school or college chemistry laboratories. Phenolic surfaces are usually thermo-fused and are easy to clean and disinfect. These surfaces don’t stain and are resistant to standard lab chemicals. If you need a table for full-time laboratory use, this is a prime choice.

• Epoxy Resin- Epoxy surfaces are made from modified epoxy resin and completely oven cured during the making process. These surfaces are durable, resistant to moisture, soft, easy to clean, and resistant to normal chemicals and heat. For dedicated laboratory use, epoxy tables are the best choice.

Needs

Why do you need a science table? Who will be using it? What chemicals and other lab table equipment do you use? How many experiments will you be hosting? Do you need laminar airflow cabinets? Asking these important questions will help you choose a science table that serves your needs. If you are planning on hosting many experiments, it might be best to purchase cleanroom tables with storage compartments. More storage makes a lab look more comfortable and safe. If you are buying sciences tables for your school, make sure the tables match the student needs and comply with ADA standards.

Durability

After ensuring a table meets a laboratory needs, the next thing you should consider is durability. You want a table that will last for years. Although a science table surface greatly impacts its overall strength, the material used to make the table’s legs and other parts play a role.

It is important to note that lab table equipment also affects the durability of your tables. Ensure you buy a table made of high-quality material to get the best value for your money. Contaminants in your lab can also negatively affect the durability of your tables. Laminar air flows can help maintain a working lab devoid of contaminants that can affect your science lab furniture.

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