The Perfect Science Lab Table
When choosing the right science lab furniture, it is important to have a background knowledge of lab tables in order to make the right purchase. Having the right table, as well as lab table equipment, will ensure your ability to get everything done in your science classroom that you may need to. Sometimes the right table or laminar air flow hood can be the perfect addition to your classroom. It is also important to find a table that fits into your budget, and will also last you a long time. There are three main factors to think about when choosing your table. These factors are the purpose of the table, the type of surface, and the durability of the table.
The Right Surface
Science tables are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most people are unaware, but there are about five different types of table surfaces. Listed below are three of the main types of surfaces available.
1. High-Pressure Laminate
High-pressure laminate is the most basic surface, but is very resistant to scratching that may occur from everyday use of the table. High-Pressure Laminate is the most economical choice for a table, so it has a limited chance of resisting high temperatures and chemicals that may be used in the lab. This surface is best used in study or lecture environments.
2. ChemGuard
ChemGuard has the perks of the standard black laminate, but it has a stronger resistance to chemicals. The ChemGuard surface also has a better chance of fighting everyday wear. These science tables are great for a chemistry classroom that is in a high school that may use chemicals that are considered weaker. ChemGuard tables also serve as excellent dual-purpose tables for lecture and lab classes.
3. Welded Fiber
Welded Fiber is the best surface to use with harmful chemicals because there is a chemically resistant finish. The surface has a light texture that gives a large improvement to scratch resistance over the other two surfaces previously mentioned. The surface table tops are designed with a 1″ welded fiber. There is also a fiberboard core and even safety edges that are rounded.
Purpose of the Table
With different types of classes, comes different needs for the tables. Science classes that have beginning students have the least exposure to chemicals, so they may only need the standard, high-pressure laminate tables because of the lack of exposure. Once students get to middle and high school, they may get more use out of a ChemGuard and welded fiber powder tables because they need more of a resistance to chemicals. If you are working in a laboratory that is using more advanced experiments, than phenolic resin and solid epoxy resin are tables that are more suitable because of the strongest resistance to chemicals. If you are unsure of what level is needed for your specific environment, checking with a consultant is always the best way to find the table for you.
Durability of the Table
After you have gone through the surface options and your need for the tables, a look at the durability of the table should be done. Even though the surface of the table has a lot to do with the durability, the table’s legs and supports should also be considered. There are three different types of bases that are on tables. These bases are hardwood, laminate, and metal. Laminate is normally the least durable, hardwood is more durable than laminate, and metal is the strongest.
The Perfect Science Lab Table
Using the factors above should help you to find the lab table that works for your classroom and the type of lab table equipment, like a laminar airflow hood, you may need. The right science lab furniture can make or break your classroom, or lab environment.