Industrial Furniture Blog By RDM

In some work environments, a fixed height table is not sufficient and an adjustable table is required instead. Adjustable height tables make it convenient for workers to access and see the items they are working on. They also enable people of different heights to use the same workstation by making only a minor adjustment. When they order height adjustable tables, you can reduce the amount of furniture needed, lowering overall costs.

Adjustable height tables come in different styles designed to withstand various types of use. Standard to heavy duty tables are used in laboratories and manufacturing environments. A light to medium duty adjustable table is also suitable for a laboratory or office environment and can frequently be found in a college or university classroom.

An adjustable height table can be used as an equipment stand, microscope table, or a standard work surface. Workers in wheelchairs find it most comfortable to work at an ADA handicapped accessible adjustable table because they can adjust the work surface to the proper level for working from their chair. When they finish working, they simply raise the height of the table in order to safely remove themselves from the area.

Customers can save money by retrofitting existing tables with leg lift kits. These kits support up to 20,000 pounds and turn a stationary height table into an adjustable height table. Manual or electric operation is available and one to six cylinder versions can be found. When a light duty lift system is selected, a memory switch allows users to program their desired table height.

Height adjustable tables may contain four or more legs, depending on the size of the work surface. Adjustable table legs can be equipped with casters that allow the table to be moved. There are full-time caster tables, which provide casters (wheels) that remain in contact with the floor at all times.  There are also momentary casters, which raise and lower with the frame.  This style provides the best option for tables that hold heavy machinery, since the table cannot be moved around when the table legs are extended at any height.  Adjustable height tables are available in many configurations and lift styles at RDM Industrial Products.  Feel free to contact them for your adjustable table needs.

Laboratories must be equipped with cabinets that store the various supplies and equipment used. When choosing cabinets, customers often select both over and under-counter styles. With an under-counter storage area, a table surface must be selected. Similar to cabinets, lab tables are made using different surfaces and are offered with various features.

Standard steel cabinets are made from 16-gauge steel that is finished with powder coat paint. This paint is baked on and resistant to both chemicals and corrosion. Various style combinations, lab tables, and drawer pulls are available. Flame-resistant cabinets also feature a 16-gauge steel superstructure. Doors are self-closing and self-latching to meet code requirements and to protect contents. A flammable label is applied to the cabinet front, alerting workers to keep fire away from the area.

Chemical-resistant cabinets and science lab tables are designed for an environment where acids or corrosive chemicals are frequently used. These two-door cabinets feature a 16-gauge steel superstructure, chemical resistant interior lining, aluminum door pulls, and labeling describing whether acids or corrosive chemicals are stored in the unit. Available accessories include fume hoods, which are
often necessary in most laboratory and forensic science environments.

Standalone science tables are designed for light, standard, or heavy duty use and support the corresponding type of equipment. These laboratory tables feature a metal or wood frame and may be stationary or have casters. Solid surface, laminated, and chemical resistant surface options make the tabletop compatible with specific uses. Lighting and ventilation options suitable for different laboratory
environments are also available.

Lab table feautures installed on laboratory casework may include service fixtures like hot, cold, and deionized water, an eyewash station, or unit that dispenses air or gas. When requesting a quote for customized laboratory cabinet units, customers should specify the type of cabinet, laboratory tables, and included service fixtures they need. When providing complete details, price estimates can be best
prepared to meet your exact needs.

Laminar flow workstations are designed for non-hazardous work like mechanical and processing duties.  These industrial workbenches provide a clean air environment that is suitable for testing, laboratory work, inspection, manufacturing, or pharmaceutical environments. Clean, HEPA-filtered air flows over the work area, protecting the items being used.

Industrial workbenches that feature energy-efficient HEPA units reduce ongoing electricity costs.  Fans may have speed control options, allowing the user to regulate the amount of air supplied to the industrial benches. High-efficiency HEPA filters are proven 99.99 percent efficient with 0.3 micro particles. Pre-filters that can be snapped into place make maintenance and replacement much easier.

Fans included in these work benches should be quiet so as not to distract the user. A 50 dBA fan is extremely quiet, making it perfect for this environment. Installing thick acrylic panels on the rear and sides of an industrial workbench seals the perimeter and an air flow shield adds to the efficiency. With a teardrop shaped, sealed fluorescent light fixture, the area is illuminated without creating an additional place for particulates to gather.

These industrial workbenches are usually compatible with 115v of power and cords can be plugged into a standard 20A duplex outlet. They come in several standard sizes but manufacturers can also specify custom dimensions including the height of the work surface. Top options include surfaces with features like chemical resistance and ESD/static control. Cleanroom and heavy manufacturing styles of work benches can also be found. Optional accessories include drawers, cabinets, bin panels, and power strips.

Being able to customize industrial workbenches ensures that this furniture meets the needs of the work environment. Laminar flow industrial benches provide a steady flow of particulate-free air. Quiet fan operation, variable fan speed, an assortment of work surface materials, and customized dimensions are just a few of the personalization options offered by some manufacturers. Please contact RDM Industrial Products today to request your Clean Air Workstation.

Basic lab tables are not sufficient for some laboratory environments. Shelving may be required to store reference materials and in inspection areas, an overhead light boom may be necessary to provide the work surface with sufficient lighting. High quality industrial furniture manufacturers like RDM Industrial Products offer these components in configurations that are customizable to meet user needs.

Shelving options vary depending on the type of work table selected. If fixed height versions are not adequate, adjustable height is offered for various one and multi-shelf model table risers. Ergonomic lab tables have a lift feature and are ADA accessible. Corner tables may be ordered with corner shelves designed to hold books and light equipment. Special use tables include a tech station that features multiple split upper shelves and a printer workstation with paper storage decks.

Lab tables are available with different frame and top compositions. Frames are usually made from metal or wood and are stationary or include casters. Tops include standard, static control, or chemical resistant versions made from laminate, solid surface, wood, or stainless steel. If non-ferrous construction is selected, these tables may be used for optical or MRI purposes.

When full coverage illuminated overhead frames are combined with flat work tables, workers can conduct quality control inspections without needing additional light. The frame can be ordered with five fluorescent lamp fixtures, each containing two bulbs. This provides the work surface with approximately 100fc of lighting. An eight-outlet power strip with a 15-foot cord is just one of the other optional features that may add convenience to the job.

Add-on Shelving (Table Risers) and overhead frames enable a basic work table to be more functional. Lab tables are available in custom sizes and styles, with various optional features. By being able to include every option needed, a lab customer maximizes worker productivity. Money and time are saved because this furniture is pre-assembled so it can begin being used immediately following delivery.

When selecting laboratory storage and containment solutions, it is important to choose products that can handle the weight of equipment being used. Manufacturers create furniture with various types of load weight capacity, making it necessary for consumers to understand the differences.

A structural load is a force applied either to the component of the storage structure or to the structure as a whole. When designing lab furniture, RDM Industrial Products considers all stress factors involved, including, load magnitude, distribution, frequency of occurrence and dynamic or static nature. A load can cause a structure to be stressed, displaced, or even deformed. Overloading may eventually result in structural failure.

Static loads are those that gradually build up over time or have negligible dynamic effects, which are the effects that torques have on motion. It is much easier to do a structural analysis for a static than a dynamic load. In most cases, equipment manufacturers will publish the statically-equivalent load weight capacity for static loads.

One industrial furniture manufacturer that approaches things a bit differently is RDM Industrial Products, Inc. The load capacity figure calculated by this company is based on a live load, which is a load that displays significant dynamic effects. It includes all the variable forces that occur within the normal operation cycle of an object. As an example, with a table and large equipment, this would involve the actual weight of operating equipment, along with any movements that may be produced by the equipment or outside forces that could be applied to the pair. This pressure is variable based on the size of the equipment, frequency of use, and other loads that may be applied, like someone or something leaning onto the table edge.

Publishing a load weight capacity figure that accounts for live loads includes more than just the weight of the component placed on or in a structure. It also considers the forces that vary throughout the operation cycle of the component. When purchasing laboratory furniture designed for use with heavy equipment, consumers should look for live load capacity figures. The common static load ratings that other manufacturers list for their products will look larger, but are in fact inflated, since they are not factoring in many other common forces that could be applied to a table of workstation. At RDM industrial products, their load ratings are factored using live load calculations. Be sure to understand when a lesser, exaggerated static load rating is being presented. It will save you a world of grief.

Working in a lab requires long periods of sitting or standing. Individuals who remain seated for the majority of the day should use furniture intended for a laboratory setting and designed with the features that offer ergonomic comfort. Laboratory seating offered by RDM Industrial Products is designed to be used with tables manufactured for this environment. In this category are backless stools and other lab chair styles, including cleanroom, ergonomic and customized versions.

A lab bench like a stool or saddle seat does not have a back. Some stools are designed for use in healthcare environments or small spaces. An upholstered seat and pneumatic adjustment are features that are intended to provide comfort. Models with casters are available for use on carpeted or hard surface floors. Metal parts make RDM’s laboratory seating very durable. It is compatible with all laboratory tables or a standard workstations.

When selecting a lab chair with a back, consumers can choose from products designed for cleanroom environments and those that feature ESD static control. An economy priced chair features upholstered surfaces, an ergonomic backrest, armrests, and multi-way seat control. Pneumatic adjustable height and casters expand the environments in which this lab chair can be used.

Premium seating has ergonomic features and is designed for either task or office use. Task chairs feature comfortable form-sensing mesh and are eco-friendly due to the use of fewer parts than traditional designs. Standard features include self-adjusting recline, pivoting backrest, and synchronized armrests. Mesh office chairs feature an optional gel seat cushion, foot ring, and different caster options.

When purchasing RDM laboratory seating, consumers can choose from different colors of upholstery. Though function and comfort are usually preferred over style, having color options may be desirable. Some manufacturers offer custom solutions designed to accommodate unique dimensions, uses, or users with special needs. This seating can be paired with customized laboratory tables to deliver a one-of-a-kind solution for many different industries.

When we think of a work table, we often picture a flat surface supported by four legs, similar to an architectural drafting table. The modern style of industrial workbenches offered by RDM Industrial Products is very different from this, with furniture options like L-shaped workbenches being used in laboratory, manufacturing, and regular office environments. These work benches include features designed to suit nearly every industry’s needs.

With an L-shaped work bench, users have the benefit of two work surfaces, placed in a 90-degree angle formation. Tables may include utility or file drawers, a half or full depth lower shelf, and a sliding keyboard and mouse tray. An optional power strip can be selected if the consumer prefers to plug equipment in at the table level, instead of crawling around on the floor.

When this shape of industrial workbenches is selected, different configurations are possible. Each work surface may be the same length and width or the customer may opt to have one surface shorter in length than the other. Often, the space available in the facility or office determines the dimensions and configuration of the L-shaped work table, so the option to customize is welcomed at RDM.

Workbenches are available in different heights, with 30 inches being the standard height for a sitting desk and 36 inches standard for a desk used for standing tasks. The ADA accessible height of 34 inches is also available. If none of these is suitable, a custom height can also be provided to meet consumer needs. Frames and legs are made from fully-welded tubular steel and leveler feet are included on the legs.

Since these industrial workbenches may serve different purposes in different environments, a variety of tabletop options are made available by RDM. Plastic laminate, solid wood, stainless steel, and solid surface are the most common. Electropolished stainless steel is ideal for a cleanroom and chemical resistant and static control tops are also available.