RDM Industrial Products

Industrial & Laboratory Furniture Supplier & Manufacturer

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laboratory tables

Essential Laboratory Furniture – Top 5 Pieces To Invest In

Keeping a lab in good working order requires harmonizing a multitude of moving parts. Since there’s typically so much to do, not only should workers be kept humming along in their roles, but the equipment necessary for everyone to get his job done is simply indispensable. As labs grow in size and complexity, they may come to need more and more different kinds of specialized equipment and furniture.

Laboratory furniture is in many ways the foundation of all lab work. It represents the hard and steady surfaces where all work is performed. And let’s not forget, where laboratory tools and samples are stored and equipment is transported. It is the rock on which the foundation of every research lab is built.

But what if your lab furnishings budget is limited? What are the key laboratory furniture components that every lab manager absolutely needs to get?

Here are five of what we condor to be the most critical pieces of laboratory furniture that there are. [Read More]

RDM-IND.com Prides Itself on Quality-Designed Laboratory Furniture

Quality and design are important when creating laboratory furniture because they affect usability. If low-quality materials are used, the item will not last very long. Furniture designed in a way that is not conducive to its primary purpose will sit in a corner and gather dust. When shopping for lab furnishings, customers should consider the quality of the items and determine whether the design meets their needs.

Laboratory Tables and Other Lab Furnishings

Lab tables are used in healthcare facilities, educational and research institutions, specimen testing centers, and other environments that feature laboratories. These furnishings are made from wood or metal and feature different top surfaces including some, such as a chemical-resistant solid surface, designed for special environments.  Microscope tables have an adjustable height feature and may have height memory and special accessories.

Laboratory cabinets are made from standard steel or flame or chemical-resistant material designed for the special substances used in some lab environments. Fume hoods remove potentially dangerous fumes from the air, increasing the safety of lab workers. Lab counters can be equipped with sinks containing special service fixtures that include hot and cold water faucets, air and gas valves, and eye wash stations.

When Ordering Laboratory Tables, Remember Seating

Lab tables become more user-friendly when comfortable chairs are purchased with them. Laboratory seating includes ergonomic chairs designed for standard laboratory, ESD static control, and cleanroom environments and backless stools for lab workers who regularly move from seated to standing positions. Some industrial seating is designed for tables that are 34 inches or higher, combining functionality and utility.

Purchasing the highest-quality, most well-designed laboratory furniture within budget should result in years of use. When shopping for these industrial products online, look for a manufacturer that builds to customer specifications and offers accessories designed for use with the items being considered. This furniture will make lab work comfortable and more productive.

Laminar Flow Workstations—Vertical vs. Horizontal Comparison

Laboratory furnishings are specially designed for particular environments and include special features required for these settings. A laminar flow workstation is designed for a clean-air environment free of bacteria and particles. Used as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, inspection, or lab equipment, this workstation is available in both vertical and horizontal airflow configurations.

Features of Laminar Flow Workstations

These laboratory workstations remove contamination from airborne particulates while providing ample working space for various purposes. Particulate-free air is provided to the work area, courtesy of a high-efficiency HEPA filter that is 99.99 percent efficient at 0.3 micron. ULPA filters are also available as an option with RDM Industrial Products.  Despite its efficiently, the fan is extremely quiet, operating at just 50 dBA. Sealed fluorescent lights illuminate the area, allowing for close work.

Many styles of Laminar Flow Workstations are available, including those featuring chemical resistant solid surface tops and ESD static control versions with grounding ports and hardware. Optional accessories designed for compatibility with other laboratory furnishings include integrated power strips, keyboard trays, computer monitor stands, and storage areas. Customers ordering this lab equipment from a manufacturer can customize it for their use.

Laboratory Furnishings – Vertical vs. Horizontal Airflow

In a vertical flow station, air is pushed through a HEPA filter located at the top of the unit. The air flows downward at a constant speed, eventually reaching the work surface. Horizontal models push air through a HEPA filter located at the back of the unit, directing it horizontally at a constant speed over the work surface, toward the user.

Application determines which of these laboratory furnishings is better. A horizontal unit usually has a taller, larger working area designed for lab equipment like microscopes. It is usually preferred for inspecting electronics, assembling medical devices, taking cultures of plant tissues, and preparing media plates and pharmacy drugs. A vertical unit features a partial sash that offers protection for chemical work in industries like biotechnology, forensics, and microbiology and helps to direct the air flow downwards.

Laboratory Furniture for Biotechnology Labs

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 Laboratory Casework Featuring Lab Tables

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.

Industrial Quality Laboratory Seating

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.

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

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.

Lab Furniture Surfacing: More Than Superficial

One of the most common mistakes people make when they’re outfitting a lab for private development and manufacturing is to ignore the type of lab surfaces they need in order to perform safe, productive work. Lab tables and other laboratory or industrial furnishings that look the same side by side can actually have vastly different uses, depending on the type of work surfaces they use. Here at RDM we can manufacture furnishing solutions to meet and exceed your needs; the dimensions and surface materials are separate concerns, but both are important. Your table or bench needs to fit its area — but it also needs to survive actual use, too. Below are some basic guiding principles when it’s time to place your order:

Know the Standard: Always be aware of your local city, state and federal laws, as well as professional advisories for the material you expect to be handling. For example, if you’re handling live specimens you probably should peruse the CDC’s Biosafety Level Criteria. Private companies will not typically work with infectious agents, so in all likelihood you’ll look to Biosafety Level-1 criteria, which specify a water-impervious surface with the ability to handle moderately high temperatures. Other fields will have specific requirements in for heat, chemical reaction and conductivity.

Don’t Skimp on Surface Integrity for the Sake of Price: It’s never worth it to save money by skirting regulations and advisories. Aside from the safety and liability issues the fact is that you won’t really save money. You’ll just make the demand for a replacement come that much sooner. If you purchase a bench that allows water to penetrate any cracks or crevices on the surface coating, you’ll end up with enough rot or corrosion to rapidly render it useless. Besides, lab surface technology has advanced to the point where it’s economical to make choices that exceed the requirements. Trespa’s TopLab Plus is one example of an excellent all-around solid surface material that suits many laboratory and industrial area applications.

When in Doubt, Ask: With over three decades in the industrial furniture business, RDM has plenty of experience outfitting research and manufacturing facilities with lab furniture of all kinds. If you’re not sure how to outfit a space within your budget, talk to us. We’ll draw on what we know to help you find the best possible solution. Contact RDM for your lab furniture solution. We’ll strive to exceed your expectations.