Material Options for Lab Casework
When you oversee a laboratory that is in the market for new casework, you will soon find there are several options of materials that can be used for the cabinet construction. There are affordable options as well as high-end upgrades, each offering certain features that are beneficial to different lab types. Certain factors need to be considered when deciding on the material type for casework, from the temperature resistance to being nonabsorbent, etc. Learn more about lab casework types below to determine which material will work best for you.
Steel
A popular material type for lab casework is steel. This material type offers high performance and is slightly more expensive when compared to other materials. Steel is durable, customizable, versatile, easy to clean and looks great. However, installation might be too expensive for some labs. Despite the cost, steel is often looked at as an investment for casework as the material will last for many years providing a strong and lasting option for any type of lab.
Steel that has been coated with epoxy is easy to sterilize, not affected by most chemicals and can be decontaminated when working with materials that are radioactive or infectious.
Wooden Casework
Another option for casework is wood. The look of wood creates a craftsmanship feel to the workspace. Cabinetry for your casework can be constructed from high-quality wood materials, providing durability as well as structural integrity. Wood is a great material choice for laboratories that do not require maximum chemical resistance or premium durability.
While wood is a durable option, there will be chemicals that you may use during experiments or projects that spillage would damage the wood’s surface. The type of chemicals or substances you will be using should be considered when determining if wood remains a good material choice for your casework needs. Investing in wood casework only to see the material damaged is a waste of time and money.
Once you have decided on the material choice, you can then move on to customizing your space. Casework can be arranged to provide more storage space for better organization in the laboratory. Whatever your lab needs, casework can be configured to a layout that will work best. When it comes to lab casework, explore the many options available to you. Compare the pros and cons so that you can make the right decision, installing new casework that will be beneficial to the day-to-day operations of your lab.