Countertops and Work Surfaces

HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE (HPL) – Optimal choice for most standard lab and tech workspace applications, without aggressive heat or temp exposures.

PROS:
• Economic
• Very durable, water-resistant
• Handles light corrosive chemicals
• ESD available for static control

CONS:
• Edge seams may be vulnerable to aggressive chemicals and excessive, continuous moisture exposure
• Not appropriate for stronger chemicals or high temperatures
• Corners and edges subject to chipping in high traffic work areas involving carts and other aggressive contact

OUR PRODUCT:
Our laminate worktops are 1.125″ thick with front edges ‘post formed’ (radius front edge) for most robust performance. We offer unique protection with an aluminum sheet moisture barrier added on the underside designed to extend product life. T-mold and square edge options. A great choice for most ‘dry’ applications.

CLEANROOM LAMINATE – Our cleanroom laminate is identical to standard laminate. By bonding the underside with another laminate layer, the core material is more fully sealed. The result is a reduction in potential micro particles entering the environment.
• Meets requirement for some low to medium performance level cleanrooms
• Not recommended for Class 100 or better
• Stainless steel or phenolic resin is most typically the preferred material for moderate to high performance cleanrooms
• NOTE: We also offer Cleanroom/ESD worksurfaces and shelves

ESD LAMINATE – ESD laminate is the key element of an ESD bench or workstation’s overall system to protect static sensitive electronic devices.
• Contains a carbon layer that makes contact with our bench’s steel framework, creating a ‘path to ground’ and an ESD safe surface
• ESD laminate is an alternative to ESD mats by assuring full surface coverage
• Dissipates a 5K volt static charge to zero in <0.1 second.
• Easy to maintain
• Guaranteed to meet all industry performance standards
• NOTE: The ESD path to ground design for shelves differs from the worktop design. Shelves will come with flush top pass-thru bolts with a grounding wire.

PHENOLIC RESIN – Ideal for most applications in biotech, life sciences, chemical, pharmaceutical, food development and related industries.

PROS:
• High level of chemical & bacteria resistance
• Rated for 350°F exposure
• Flame resistant, non-conductive
• Moisture proof, anti-warp
• Scratch resistant
• Easily field modified

CONS:
• Not recommended for steady exposure to temps above 350°F, or exposure to very hot acids, e.g. phosphoric or sulfuric
• Not moldable into sinks (use epoxy resin or stainless steel)

OUR PRODUCT:
Our standard phenolic material is available in 0.75” & 1” thicknesses. Typically, 1” is used for worktops and 0.75” for shelves, but these are customer choices. We typically stock phenolic in the most popular color – black – which allows us significant price and lead time advantages. White may be available but may extend lead time.

EPOXY RESIN
Traditional material used for extreme chemical and heat applications. Contact us for availability.

SOLID MAPLE BUTCHERBLOCK – Good choice for industrial other hard use applications, 1.75” thick.

PROS:
• Robust and resistant to abrasion and hard use involving tools, sharp objects, etc.
• Repairable; more than other materials, maple can be repeatedly sanded down and refinished
• Appealing appearance
• Widely specified for maker space facilities at universities, product R&D, etc.

CONS:
• Though repairable, the wood is more subject to staining, absorption, scratches and damage than other materials
• Requires regular maintenance/recoating oil or lacquer finish

OUR PRODUCT:
Our solid maple butcherblock is 1.75” thick and available with an oil or lacquer finish. The hardwood strips vary in width, alternating between single and double widths, enhancing strength.

STAINLESS STEEL
Our heavy-duty, #304 stainless steel worktops and shelves are ideal cleanroom or sterile environment material solutions. Electropolish option.

PROS:
• Highly durable
• Corrosion resistant, no particle shedding
• Resistant to heat, moisture and chemicals
• Easily cleaned and retains inherent properties for many years
• Common usage in life sciences, labs and cleanrooms, including for casework, storage cabinets, shelving, etc.
• Sleek appearance

CONS:
• Not highly scratch resistant
• Not viable for ESD applications
• Optional SS formed over sealed wood core

OUR PRODUCT:
Our stainless steel worktops come with welded stainless steel supports on the underside for optimal strength.