The work surface materials used in laboratory benches should generally be durable, resistant to chemicals and easy to clean. Different types of laboratories and the work done can affect the selection of surface materials. Here are the commonly used laboratory bench surface materials:
Anti-Acid Compact Laminate Benchtop
• Features: Economical, easy to clean, various color and pattern options available.
• Area of Use: Used in general laboratories, especially biology and education laboratories. Although its chemical and heat resistance is limited, it is very widely used.
Industrial Ceramic Stoneware Benchtop
• Features: Excellent resistance to chemicals, easy to clean.
• Area of Use: Suitable for work done in chemistry laboratories, especially with acidic or alkaline solutions. It is the most durable and long-lasting product used in laboratories.
Industrial Technical Ceramic Benchtop (Domestic Ceramic)
• Features: Excellent resistance to chemicals, easy to clean.
• Area of Use: Suitable for work done in chemistry laboratories, especially with acidic or alkaline solutions. Although it is thinner and slightly weaker in resistance than Industrial Ceramic Stoneware, it is still preferred due to its superior acid resistance.
Epoxy Resin (Epoxy Surfaces) Countertop
• Features: High resistance to chemicals, resistance to water and corrosive substances, long life.
• Area of Use: Used in chemical analysis, biotechnology and research laboratories. It is especially preferred in studies conducted with chemical substances. However, it is not preferred since it is not common in our country and difficult to supply.
Polypropylene Countertop
• Features: High durability, chemical resistance, elegance.
• Area of Use: It is generally used in situations that do not require heat and physical resistance but require high chemical resistance.
Granite (Granite Surfaces)
• Features: High durability, chemical resistance, elegance.
• Area of Use: It is generally preferred for more aesthetic purposes, but can also be used in laboratories related to chemical reactions. It is long-lasting because it is highly durable. It is used in physical test laboratories.
Stainless Steel
• Features: High chemical resistance, durability, hygienic and easy to clean.
• Area of Use: It is frequently preferred in chemistry, biology, medicine and industrial laboratories. It is mainly used in places where sterilization requirements are high.
Glass Surfaces
• Features: Excellent resistance to chemical substances, easy to clean.
Area of Use: Suitable for work done in chemistry laboratories, especially with acidic or alkaline solutions. However, glass surfaces are generally sensitive to impacts.
Selection Criteria:
The surface material selection of laboratory benches varies according to the type of work done. Some factors to consider when making a selection:
• Chemical resistance: The resistance of the surface material against the chemicals to be used.
Durability: How resistant the surface is to impacts, scratches and abrasions.
Cleaning and Hygiene: It should be easy to clean and sterilize.
Heat resistance: Resistance to temperature changes is important, especially in heat-sensitive work.
Surface material selection may vary depending on each type of laboratory and the characteristics of the work done