March 11, 2009
Choosing the right Science Table is important; you need to find one that can handle your daily tasks in the classroom, but also the table that fits your budget. Science tables come in many shapes, sizes, and perhaps most confusing, surfaces. While science tables are almost universally black, did you know that there are at least five general classes of table surfaces?
It is best to choose a surface more capable than your daily needs; this will ensure your tables are always rated better than the chemicals your curriculum is designed around. Beginning science classes have little exposure to chemicals, and in many cases only need standard, high-pressure plastic laminate tables. Middle school and high school science classes will want to consider ChemGuard and Welded Fiber Powder Coated tables for chemical resistance during lab experiments. Phenolic Resin and Solid Epoxy Resin tables represent the very best surfaces and are recommended for dedicated laboratory conditions due to their improved chemical resistance.
HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC LAMINATE : This is the most basic surface, a classic black laminate with superior resistance to scratching from every day use. While this surface is the most economical, it has limited resistance to the high temperatures and severe chemicals found in the lab. These tables are best for lecture and study use as well as minor, non-liquid experiments.
CHEMGUARD LAMINATE : This laminate has all the features of standard black laminate, but has outstanding chemical resistance and much better wear rating than standard laminate. ChemGuard laminate science tables are excellent value for high school chemistry classrooms using a variety of weaker chemicals and heat sources. If you need a dual-purpose table for lecture and lab experiments, this is a good fit.
WELDED FIBER WITH BLACK POWDER COAT: This finish is a chemically resistant finish with no seams to collect harmful chemicals or contaminants. In addition to superb chemical resistance, this lightly textured surface provides significant improvement in scratch resistance over standard Chemguard laminate. Black powder coated surface table tops are made of a thick, 1” welded fiber (Gemweld) base with sturdy fiberboard core and have rounded safety edges. Twice powder coated, these tables will not stain, etch or show effects when subjected to these standard lab chemicals: Sulfuric Acid 70%, Nitric Acid, 25%, Phosphoric Acid 75%, Sodium Hydroxide 25%, Ammonium Hydroxide 25%. If you need a seamless chemical-resistant surface with improved scratch protection for chemistry or biology lab or classroom conditions, this is a good fit.
PHENOLIC RESIN : Phenolic Resin is impervious to many chemicals found in high school and college chemistry labs. . In addition to superior chemical resistance this surface is typically thermofused, creating a seamless surface where the top meets the sides for ease of cleaning and disinfecting – a plus for biology labs. If you need a table that will see full time laboratory use, such as a dedicated chemistry lab, or teacher’s demonstration desk, this is a prime choice. Phenolic Resin will not stain, etch or show effects when subjected to these standard lab chemicals: Nitric Acid 30%, Phosphoric Acid 85%, Sulfuric Acid 33%, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Acetic Acid 98%, Hydrofluoric Acid 48% and others.
SOLID EPOXY RESIN : This is the gold standard in science tables, impervious to normal chemicals and heat. Rather than a laminate surface, the Epoxy Resin is solid, homogeneous, molded from modified epoxy resins, completely oven cured during processing. Its soft, low glare surface is simple to clean.
Solid Epoxy Resin is extremely durable and completely impervious to moisture, eliminating any future chance of swelling, delamination or exposure of the substrate. Solid Epoxy tops are heat and char resistant to the point of being considered self extinguishing. It shows even more resistance to chemicals than Phenolic Resin, Nitric Acid 70%, Acetic Acid (glacial), Hydrochloric Acid 20%, Sulfuric Acid 60%, Methyl Alcohol, Toluene, Benzene, and others. For dedicated institutional use, solid epoxy resin tables are the best choice, presenting the best chemical resistance and the most durable science table available.
SCIENCE TABLE LEGS: Most science tables come with solid wood legs that are a fixed height of 29” or 30” high. However, most tables are also available with 36” high legs that are a more comfortable standing height and for use with taller lab stools. Look for the adjustable height science table by Diversified Woodcrafts with legs that individually adjust to create unique table angles; perfect for physics class.
Black plastic, vinyl or rubber boots are commonly used on the bottom of wooden table legs to protect the wood from liquid spills or routine mopping. Most science tables will ship with these boots included, or can be ordered additionally.
If you have any questions regarding the science tables or lab furniture sold on the Worthington Direct website, please contact our knowledgeable customer service team at 800-599-6636 or email sales@worthingtondirect.com.