After deciding on the style of work in the laboratory and choosing laboratory equipment suitable for the environment, you must also decide on the selection of work materials needed in the laboratory. Because it is very important to weigh all the pros and cons of the raw materials you are considering for tables, platforms and laboratory furniture in general before making the final choice.

Laboratory design

Setting up and starting any work requires using and paying attention to the requirements of the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA).

SEFA is an association that has been organized since 1988 to monitor and revise recommended practices in the industry and areas such as laboratory hoods , laboratory scaffolding , furniture installation and fixed equipment to ensure the completion of work in accordance with laboratory standards.

Raw materials used in laboratory equipment

Laboratory tables

Laboratory tables are the most widely used work surfaces in laboratory environments. which generally have different genders depending on the type of daily activities in the environment. However, although black epoxy is available in most laboratories, there are other materials and options, which we will discuss below:

• stainless steel

Advantages:

Stainless steel is one of the materials that has a smooth surface and does not have any porosity, which are used in laboratory environments working with chemicals.

These materials, which prevent the growth of any fungus and bacteria, are able to withstand the heat of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disadvantages:

Since stainless steel is very sensitive to scratches, if there is any dust on the surfaces of this material, it is better to clean it with a solution of soap and water or special cleaning materials and using a soft cloth.

Also, bleach should not be used to clean it, because it will destroy the nickel in it and pit the steel surface.

In addition, due to the difficult production of stainless steel, their prices are often expensive and have severe fluctuations.

• Epoxy resin

Advantages:

Epoxy resin is a sticky compound that has a very good resistance against acids, alkalis, solvents, as well as fungi, bacteria, up to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the production centers, this composition is generally produced in black, gray and white colors.

Disadvantages:

Because epoxy resin scratches easily, it is less resistant than stainless and phenolic.

• Phenolic resin

Advantages:

In laboratory environments that deal with research and testing on chemicals, the use of phenolic resin is necessary.

In fact, phenolic resin is one of the most widely used resins, which, in addition to having benefits in the use of chlorine, prevents color change.

It also has great resistance against fungi, bacteria and moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disadvantages:

Due to the fire resistance of many types of phenolic resin, they are not recommended for use around open flames.

• High pressure laminated sheets (high pressure laminates)

Advantages:

If you start working in dry areas and limited use of chemicals, high pressure laminates can be a suitable option.

These multi-layer sheets, which have a high color and shape variety, can be used against chemicals with a high degree of resistance.

Disadvantages:

Although high-pressure laminates withstand temperatures up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, they are not resistant to moisture, mold, or bacteria.

• Solid and stone materials

Because these materials do not have sufficient resistance to heat and chemicals, they are not recommended for general use in laboratory environments.

Laboratory sinks

Usually, sinks made of stainless steel and epoxy are among the most common types of laboratory sinks that have high resistance against laboratory activities.

• stainless steel

Stainless steel prevents corrosion and rusting of the sink over time due to its resistance to chemicals.

• Epoxy

Epoxies are also widely used due to their lower cost and high resistance to laboratory chemicals .

Of course, epoxy breaks against very high heat and thermal shock, so it is necessary to store them using dry ice.

Laboratory cabinets

Cabinets are other necessary laboratory equipment to perform operations in laboratory environments, which can be made of different materials depending on the type of activity.

• Stainless steel

Stainless steel is also very suitable for laboratory cabinets due to having the same capabilities as the materials mentioned above, such as resistance to laboratory materials and high humidity. Of course, the high price of this material has limited its use only to the required levels. (Levels of centers such as autopsy, research on animals, work with chemicals, food laboratory, hospitals, medical centers and pharmaceutical laboratories.)

• Steel

Steel is also one of the other common materials in the manufacture of laboratory cabinet covers, which prevents cracking of the surfaces used in environments such as laboratories, industrial research centers, academics, It becomes medicine and…

However, stainless steel should not be exposed to the use of chemical fume hoods or the interior of acid holding cabinets.

• Wood

Wood is a traditional material and tool for creating laboratory work and is suitable for environments such as university laboratories and some standard technology and research laboratory centers. which induces a sense of warmth to the laboratory environment due to the color and variety in the design.

Also, the presence of wood shavings in the texture of this type of material, although it does not create resistance like steel, but they can resist wear and tear to some extent.

So, by choosing suitable, durable and flexible materials, you can increase the life cycle of the laboratory environment in addition to achieving optimal performance in the laboratory.

This is why the selection of raw materials is very necessary for laboratory work and manufacturers are always trying to have the least impact on the environment by providing suitable and cost-effective materials.