In the bustling world of medical and laboratory environments, one piece of equipment consistently stands out due to its robustness, resistance, and impeccable hygiene properties – the phenolic examination table. This sturdy workhorse, crafted from phenolic resin and a substrate, plays a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing a durable and sanitary surface for various procedures. But what makes these tables so special? Let’s dive in and unravel the hidden virtues of phenolic examination tables.
Please visit our website for more information on this topic.
Phenolic examination tables, such as the Phenolic Science Lab Tables, are specifically designed with a robust black phenolic resin tabletop. These tables find their place in a variety of settings, most notably in laboratories and operating rooms, where they serve as a reliable platform for a myriad of tasks.
Phenolic materials offer superior characteristics for examination tables, including:
Their lightweight nature, easy-to-clean properties, resistance to many chemicals, and longevity make them an optimal choice for a wide range of applications, even when taking into account the empty question’s body.
Beyond durability, phenolic materials showcase excellent chemical resistance. Their compatibility with both organic and halogenated chemicals significantly contributes to their longevity and appropriateness for medical settings.
Phenolic materials also boost the hygiene of examination tables with their high resistance to chemicals, stains, corrosion, and abrasion. This feature facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring a hygienic surface for medical examinations.
This makes phenolic materials a suitable candidate for public seating options as well.
Phenolic panels, also known as high-pressure or HPL panels, are commonly chosen for examination tables due to their resistance and durability. Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of applications, regardless of whether an empty invalid is provided.
Solid phenolic paper panels represent one type of these panels, which are made by immersing paper in thermosetting resins, reinforcing it with cellulose fibers and subjecting it to high pressure and temperature. Their resistance to scratches, stains, and fire, coupled with their easy installation and fabrication make them a top contender for examination tables.
Canvas phenolic panel is another category, which is created by merging multiple layers of canvas cloth sandwiched between resin and fibers, resulting in a durable and high-quality material suitable for a wide range of applications.
These qualities make them an excellent choice for examination tables and operating room table options, meeting the required criteria for such equipment. Before making a final decision, it’s always a good idea to review the specific features and benefits of each table and consider having a review write-up for further analysis.
Several phenolic table materials exist, each boasting unique features. For instance, Black NEMA XX is known for its excellent machining characteristics and dimensional stability. It’s a cost-effective option for examination tables, providing essential mechanical and electrical properties at a reduced cost compared to other materials.
Atlas Fibre offers volume discounts for large orders of material, further reducing costs for customers and allowing them to increase quantity. Phenolic laminate’s exceptional machining properties facilitate precision and ease during the manufacturing process, and its dimensional stability guarantees the longevity and durability of examination tables.
The versatility of Black NEMA XX stems from its ability to effortlessly complement a myriad of colors and styles. It is a neutral color that can enhance both bold and subtle designs, making it a versatile choice for various applications, including fixed height examination tables. Black NEMA XX is frequently utilized for electrical applications and as a material for phenolic examination tables.
Moreover, Renowned for its outstanding mechanical strength and electrical properties, Black NEMA XX is a phenolic material of choice. It demonstrates resilience across a broad spectrum of temperatures, ranging from cryogenic to elevated levels.
In contrast, Black NEMA CE is favored for heavy-duty applications because of its superior mechanical strength relative to paper, as well as its improved electrical properties and higher resistance to moisture. Black NEMA CE is a cotton-based phenolic laminate that possesses favorable mechanical properties, toughness, and high impact strength. It exhibits good wear resistance and is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 275°F.
Furthermore, Black NEMA CE demonstrates outstanding electrical insulation capacity, making it suitable for use in both dry and high humidity environments.
Black G10 is another premium material but differs from the above options in that it has an epoxy base, renowned for its exceptional properties:
Black G10 has the following properties:
The process of selecting the appropriate phenolic material for an examination table necessitates the consideration of various factors such as:
The high durability of phenolic materials makes them ideal for examination tables. They possess the following qualities:
In terms of durability and longevity, phenolic materials are distinguished by their impressive resistance and lifespan. They have the ability to resist flames, lack electrical conductivity, and demonstrate strong mechanical properties such as compressive strength. These attributes collectively enhance the material’s robustness, making it suitable for use in medical settings.
Phenolic materials offer several advantages when used for examination tables:
Rounded and beveled edges are preferred for phenolic examination tables as they:
Rounded and beveled edges on phenolic examination tables augment safety by mitigating the risk of injury from sharp corners or edges. They also contribute to the aesthetics of phenolic examination tables by introducing visual appeal.
The choice of dimensions for phenolic examination tables should consider the available space and the intended use, thus ensuring functional suitability. Weight capacity is crucial to ensure that the table can safely support the expected loads, which also affects the table’s stability and durability.
The typical dimensions of phenolic examination tables may vary depending on the particular model and manufacturer. However, standard dimensions for phenolic examination tables generally range around 18 inches in width and 32 inches in length for the operating surface.
As a leading manufacturer of phenolic and composite sheets for examination tables, Atlas Fibre utilizing a diverse selection of thermoset materials that are highly suitable for examination tables. They offer custom sizing for their phenolic and composite sheets, enabling them to tailor materials to the specified dimensions according to the customer’s requirements.
Atlas Fibre has the capability to custom-cut materials to a wide range of sizes, offering thicknesses from 0.005 inches to over 8 inches, based on the specific needs of the project.
Custom-sized phenolic sheets offer multiple benefits for examination tables, including durability, hygiene, customization, and resistance to temperature and chemicals. Custom-sized phenolic sheets are frequently utilized in examination tables due to their robustness and resistance to water. They offer a stable surface capable of enduring extensive use and are impervious to liquid damage.
Atlas Fibre is able to ship orders placed before 1:00 PM CT on the same day, including custom cut pieces.
By enabling precise and tailored designs, custom routing improves the functionality of phenolic examination tables in the following ways:
The term custom routing in the manufacturing of phenolic examination tables refers to the utilization of a router to produce specific shapes, designs, or patterns on the phenolic material, enabling customization and precision in the manufacturing process.
Several reasons underscore the importance of edge finishing for phenolic examination tables:
The process of creating edges can be done in different ways:
Phenolic examination tables should be routinely cleaned using soft cloths and non-abrasive household cleaning products. To maintain the highest standards of hygiene, it is recommended to sanitize phenolic examination tables after every use.
Damage examination in a phenolic examination table involves visual inspections for cracks, chips, discolorations, and signs of water damage. Serious indicators include severe burns, blistering, or corrosive effects, and they should be promptly addressed.
Sanitizing phenolic examination tables after each use is a recommended practice. The procedures for appropriately cleaning phenolic examination tables involve:
It is crucial to be cautious of the following when cleaning:
Damage inspection of phenolic examination tables necessitates careful observation for signs like cracks, chips, stains or any visible damage that could compromise the table’s structural integrity and cleanliness. Damage inspections on phenolic examination tables should be conducted at regular intervals. The specific frequency may vary but should be adjusted based on usage levels and environmental conditions that could lead to blisters, damage to protective finishes, and corrosion.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Shengquan sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Phenolic examination tables, with their robustness, resistance, and impeccable hygiene properties, have proven to be an indispensable asset in medical and laboratory environments. We’ve explored the various types of phenolic materials, their key features, and how to choose the right material for your needs. The use of phenolic material in examination tables not only ensures durability but also maintains high hygiene standards, which are pivotal in healthcare settings.
Whether it’s Black NEMA XX with its cost-effective nature, Black NEMA CE with superior mechanical strength, or Black G10 with superior mechanical and electrical properties, there’s a phenolic material for every need. Atlas Fibre stands as a key player in the industry, providing phenolic and composite sheets that can be custom-sized, routed, and finished to meet specific requirements. With proper care and maintenance, these tables can serve their purpose effectively for many years to come.
GET A FREE QUOTEPhenolic panels, also known as high-pressure or HPL panels, are durable architectural panels made of natural core material layers and thermosetting resins, manufactured under high pressure and temperature.
The purpose of a phenolic board, especially in plywood formwork, is to provide high mechanical strength to withstand the loads and vibrations during concrete pouring, as well as to achieve a smooth and uniform surface finish on the concrete. This helps ensure a high-quality final product.
The phenolic board insulation has a history of crumbling and can easily crush when walked on, leaving a residue on the decking, which can promote corrosion. But it’s important to note that corrosion can’t form without oxygen, moisture, and a catalyst.
Yes, phenolic board is water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for areas that may be exposed to moisture. It is also resistant to wear, weather, and scratches.
Black chemistry tables are typically made of solid epoxy resin, which provides superior resistance to scratching but limited resistance to high temperatures and severe chemicals often found in labs.
Your choice of laboratory worksurface materials should mainly depend on the work performed in the lab. Certain types of processes will require quite specific countertop matierals. Your laboratory furniture selection, budget, and aesthetic will also determine your choice and may necessitate the use of multiple material types in the same facility.
Lab processes have changed significantly in the past few decades and will continue to evolve quickly. Many of the harsh chemicals and reagents once used on laboratory benches are now regulated to only be handled in fume hoods and bio-safety cabinets. More and more, we see lab benches and tables used for equipment and computer/desk work. Lab planners now prefer laboratory benches and tables using modular concepts to allow easy changes in their configurations within the lab. Likewise, the worksurfaces in labs are modular to go along with these bench and table layouts. Fixed laboratory casework with seamed epoxy countertops are still quite common in laboratories but are becoming less so.
The most common used worksurfaces are:
There are no bad choices, but it is up to you to choose which type is best for your laboratory. Choosing the right one is a crucial decision when outfitting a lab with furniture, however, we are here to help you choose.
Choosing the best worksurface is a tough decision because there is a lot to consider. So, depending on your need, performance criteria is what you should consider during the selection process. The most important factors to consider are:
This article will focus on the more common materials of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and stainless steel pointing out the pros and cons of each. As well as our insights from our vast experience installing these materials. These three make up over 98% of the types of laboratories we install. We also touch on the basics of the other common laboratory countertop materials and their uses. Additional information about laboratory worksurfaces and sinks can be found on our website.
No matter which surface material you choose for your laboratory, your goal is to have a high-quality laboratory work surface that will provide you the best return on your investment. For you to make the best return on your investment, let's take a closer look at the different types.
Epoxy resin is one of the most used laboratory worksurfaces. This is a very familiar and practical material for lab use. It is an excellent choice for harsh environments, having high chemical resistance, easy to clean, sturdy, and heat resistance. It is widely used in chemistry, biology, pathology, immunology labs, high school, and university labs.
With many possible applications, epoxy is very well suited for fixed casework. Since the cabinetry isn’t intended to be relocated, the worktop seams can be filled and joined to make a more monolithic surface. Epoxy is very hard and is often relied upon for structural support with fixed type casework, such as cut-out sections for upright shelf standards and spanning over unsupported knee space areas in the lab. This dense material is also a good choice to make epoxy resin tables, known as Epoxy Balance Tables.
Epoxy tops are typically specified in one-inch thickness, which is very heavy, weighing 11 pounds per square foot. A one inch thick 72” x 30” epoxy top weighs 165 pounds. Epoxy resin is a molded product created from mixing compounds in a liquid form and poured into molds to cure and harden. This method creates unique design possibilities to manufacture sinks and tops with marine (raised) edges, fully molded worktops with integral sinks and drainers, providing seamless performance. However, the time and cost to build these molds makes small custom orders impractical.
A side note on epoxy thicknesses: Our engineers designed the A.T. Villa Ergolab mobile benching system to use 5/8" thick worktops with a metal frame structure under the worksurface of these benches. This structure provides the advantages of extreme load capacity while reducing the cost and weight of the worktop. Your science is only actually taking place on the top thousands of an inch anyway.
Epoxy resin countertops are made in a limited range of colors but still offer a comprehensive pallet. Most commonly, we see black epoxy in labs, and it is the most economical color choice. Greys and white are also popular choices. These do cost more to manufacture, with white being one of the most expensive. One nice thing about the epoxy colors is that they have through-color, meaning the edges and tops are consistent.
While epoxy resin as a laboratory countertop is a sound choice, there are a few “cons” to this material. There are only a few manufacturers of this material in the U.S., leading to availability problems. Most of these work surfaces are made-to-order, and we have seen lead times of 12-16 weeks during recent years. While the material is very hard, it can be brittle. Epoxy is the most problematic product regarding shipping damage. Epoxy resin is not very scratch resistant. A scratch on a black worktop appears white and is very visible. It is not easy to cut and or modified in the field again due to its hardness. The bottom surface comes from the molds uneven, and while this is not a problem for countertops, it does require additional finishing work at the factory for shelves, where the bottom is visible.
Phenolic resin has been around for decades and has found many industrial uses. Phenolic worksurfaces made for laboratory and scientific uses have become popular over the past 20 years. Phenolic typically offers some cost savings over epoxy. The material is versatile and has high chemical resistance that is extremely scratch resistant due to its laminated material. If you use highly caustic reagents, phenolic is a perfect choice. Phenolic resin is used in every laboratory type we see, which includes:
Trespaâ TopLabâ Plus is one of the most well-known products for laboratory countertops. Trespaâ was one of the pioneers of phenolic resin laboratory countertops and helped establish this material with the architectural and lab planning communities throughout the world. Another major producer of this material is Fundermaxâ, and they have created some exciting new developments with the colors of this material.
Phenolic resin panels are produced from partially recycled paper and phenolic resin. Multiple layers of paper are soaked in a phenolic resin, then placed into a large heated press. When completed, it appears as a solid material. Sheets made in common thicknesses of 6mm (1/4"), 8mm (5/16"), 10mm (3/8"), 13mm (1/2"), 16mm (5/8"), 20mm (3/4") and 25mm (1"). The color palette of the lab grade surfaces is broader than epoxy.
However, the less common colors typically have a longer lead time. Phenolic tops are also not through-color like epoxy. The top layer of the material provides the color, while the core is typically black. The contrast of a white top with a black edge can be quite attractive, though some users prefer a monochromatic top. Both Trespaâ and Fundermaxâ have been developing through-color products in recent years and have released through-color grey material with the top surface and the core appearing the same grey color.
Phenolic has excellent machining properties allowing us to create worksurfaces, shelves, and pegboards. The form of the material does limit the design possibilities. Unlike epoxy that can be molded and formed into sinks, phenolic panels do not lend themselves to marine edges or sinks. Stainless steel sinks and epoxy sinks integrate with phenolic worksurfaces at sink stations.
Phenolic resin is lighter in weight than epoxy. One inch thick phenolic weighs 7.2 pounds per sq. foot, compared to epoxy at 11 pounds. So that one inch 72" x 30" worktop weighs 108 pounds vs. the epoxy top weighing 165 pounds, which is a 53% difference in weight. The reduced weight makes the fabrication, installation, and bench/shelf relocation easier and safer. The lesser weight provides an advantage to your bench or table with adaptable lab furniture solutions by allowing more weight capacity for your equipment.
We find phenolic slightly more resistant to scratches, and we see less shipping and handling issues than with epoxy. Phenolic resin has chemical resistance properties that are very similar to epoxy resin. Here is a comparison chart between Trespaâ and Epoxy Resin surfaces.
While phenolic resin as a laboratory countertop is a sound choice, there are a few "cons" to this material. Phenolic does not have the heat resistance of epoxy and is rated at 350°F. The top color not matching the edges bothers some customers and lab planners.
Stainless steel laboratory worksurfaces are ideal for sterile lab environments. This would include:
Stainless steel worktops are ideal for cleanrooms since it has the best hygienic and anti-microbial properties. As well as being long-lasting. These worksurfaces are a more expensive option due to the intense labor involved to fabricate them. They are excellent for the applications mentioned above but over time they do develop a patina from use.
Also known as maple or woodnblock, these countertops are sturdy and long-lasting. However, not a common material, laboratories for industrial applications are a good fit for butcher block work surfaces. This type of material has excellent abrasive resistance as well as impact resistance.
True butcher block tops are made with the end grain of the wood facing up by gluing together smaller woodblocks. This method creates an extremely durable surface that has some self-healing properties due to grain orientation However, most tops marketed today as butcher block are made with linear wood strips glued together with the grain running side to side and not facing up.
ESD, also known as electrostatic discharge, means a sudden flow of electricity between objects. For laboratories that work with sensitive electronics, laminate ESD work surfaces are the ideal solution. They have an integrated layer of conductive film within the worksurface material. They are safe and static free for putting together sensitive components.
These worksurfaces do require a grounding system to be installed that creates a connectivity from the user, through the worksurface, the furniture and to the ground of the building. The design and installation of these types of worksurfaces can be confusing and are often not designed correctly.
Polypropylene is a very specialized worktop that is an excellent option if your lab using highly corrosive acids and volatile compounds. It is lightweight, mold resistant and very durable. When the room requires no trace metals, polypropylene is the best option.
Solid surface is a nice quality product but lacks the type of chemical resistance required in a laboratory. This material can easily exceed the cost of epoxy resin or phenolic resin. Therefore, we cannot recommend this material.
Laminate, or High-Pressure Laminate is a thin phenolic layer that is applied to a substrate, which is commonly particle board. While the laminate itself is a sound covering, the real weakness of these types of tops are the seams and edges. Long term exposure to moisture can be problematic. However, we have installed many that have lasted for decades. If you do choose this material for your lab make sure to use a post formed front edge that wraps the laminate from the top, over the edge to the underside without a seam.
Ceramic and porcelain are more commonly used in Europe. They can offer some great looking worksurfaces with very good chemical resistance. In our experience we had too many who experienced damage in shipping to allow us to ship them with confidence.
Glass is uncommon in labs. But long ago we did outfit a wine testing lab in Europe that used thick tempered glass with an LED light source attached to the rear of the glass panel. The effect was beautiful and prefect for that project. It can add many of the characters we seek in laboratory worktops, but it is just not popular or practical. It does require your staff to keep the floors clean.
Laboratory worksurfaces have unique requirements. Finding the right material is a tough decision, therefore A.T. Villa will proudly work with you. For more information, take a further look at our work tops. We also provide further technical information on our technical page. Otherwise, contact us and as part of our free design services we will walk you through your options.
Are you interested in learning more about color steel phenolic panels? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!