lab supplies

Laboratory Furniture for Biotechnology Labs

May 16, 2012

Selecting laboratory furniture is an important part of the design process for labs in the healthcare, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. Laboratory tables allow biotechnologists to perform scientific research and develop products in a designated work area. When lab tables are combined with seating and technical equipment, the lab becomes a functional area.

Selecting Lab Tables for a Biotechnology Lab

Once a lab has been constructed, those in charge must determine which laboratory tables will be most suitable for the area. If they are not biotechnologists, they should consult with these scientists to determine their needs. While a fixed top table may be suitable for some projects, others require an adjustable height table designed for close work. Scientists should make it known whether they prefer a manually adjustable table or one that adjusts automatically using an electric motor.

A microscope is standard equipment in a biotechnology lab. Lab tables should be sturdy enough to support the heaviest microscope that will be used. Tabletops are available in different materials including ESD static control, chemical resistant solid surfaces, and cleanroom styles. Depending on the environment, one of these may be the preferred choice.

Equipping Tables with Special Features

When ordering from a manufacturer, it may be possible to customize these lab furnishings, allowing them to serve as workstations. Optional accessories include a keyboard tray, flat computer monitor stand, cabinets, drawers, and bins. Special-purpose accessories like bin rails or panels and tool trolleys may also be available, enhancing the functionality of the table.

Laboratory tables come in standard sizes but a manufacturer may be able to create tables in custom dimensions. Planners should consider the amount of floor space available when determining the desired size of lab tables. Each scientist should have enough room to work comfortably at a table, whether seated or standing.

RDM Cleanroom Workstation Tables Are a Top Quality Brand of Laboratory Tables

March 17, 2011

In a scientific or manufacturing cleanroom, the goal is to maintain a low level of environmental pollutants. The area must be kept free of ionic contaminants, particulates, static, and moisture. Airborne particulates are controlled via continuous air circulation and air filters. This enables the use of sensitive lab equipment or the fabrication of intricate electronic devices. Some laboratory tables and other lab furniture are designed specifically for clean rooms.

A cleanroom can be a very large area, sometimes encompassing entire manufacturing facilities. Semiconductor, biotechnology, and life sciences sectors use these environments extensively. Workers pass through airlocks when entering or leaving the room and they wear protective clothing. Lab equipment and lab furniture inside a cleanroom is designed to generate a minimum amount of air contamination. Lab supplies like specialized buckets and mops are sold for cleaning the area.

Lab furniture used in cleanrooms is designed to generate a minimum amount of particles. Laboratory tables and other cleanroom furniture must be easy to clean. A cleanroom is not a sterile environment, but particle levels are regularly measured using particle counters. Positive pressure is maintained in some cleanrooms so if an air leak occurs, air will emit from the chamber rather than unfiltered air permeating the room.

Electropolished stainless steel tables are usually adequate for CLASS 10 cleanroom environments. Other RDM table models are suitable for cleanrooms up to CLASS 100. These feature work services that are laminated and sealed to eliminate contamination. Fully-welded steel frame connections on the tubular steel frame provide no open areas to collect dust. Table legs may include leveler feet or casters.

These laboratory tables come in several standard sizes and feature a polyurethane paint finish. Powder coated finish or custom sizes may also be available. When selecting lab furniture for a cleanroom environment, select RDM as your manufacturer because they offer high-quality products that are designed to last a lifetime. To keep costs down, customers can save money by selecting finished or sealed steel frame tables rather than stainless steel tables.

Vibration Control Tables Are Lab Tables Suitable For Vibration-Sensitive Equipment!

February 18, 2011

Vibration control lab tables are lab furniture designed for use with vibration-sensitive lab equipment like microscopes. This type of equipment features mounts made from material such as shock and vibration absorbing elastomer. The table itself includes vibration dampening feet designed to prevent any interference with operation of the equipment being used.

Lab tables designed for use with laboratory equipment or instruments often feature wood or metal frames. They may have a shelf designed to store lab supplies that do not require special containment. Some models feature fixed feet, while others have vibration dampening levelers or casters that can be locked in place when necessary. Tops are usually made from solid surfaces like epoxy resin or plastic laminated surfaces that are resistant to chemicals.

When the most sensitive anti-vibration lab furniture is required, a product like an active vibration isolation table can be found. Included in this table is innovative vibration reduction technology. The table reduces both horizontal and vertical vibration and contributes to proper use of the most sensitive equipment or applications in environments characterized by severe vibration.

Equipment commonly used with such tables includes scanning probe and atomic force microscopes. Other industries use them to support interferometers, semiconductor inspection equipment, and electro-physiology recording equipment. Sizes vary and top surfaces include solid wood, static control, stainless steel or frame-only models. Some of these isolation tables are compatible with clean room environments, making them ideal for a hospital or laboratory.

When looking for lab tables designed to dampen vibration, dealing with RDM Industrial Products often enables the customer to specify dimensions and select from several top surfaces, including static control. RDM offers an online quote request or order form, allowing customers who know what they need to place their lab furniture order without visiting a store. Live help is also available to provide answers to customer questions.