Laboratory Cabinets
Labs are active, diverse, expensive, harsh, constantly changing environments.
And they are invaluable, life saving, world changing, innovative tools of progress.
Laboratory cabinets are designed uniquely for laboratory environments because they must be durable and adaptable to many people working long hours each day conducting a variety of research. Harsh, corrosive and flammable chemicals are used, spilled, and stored for long periods of time in laboratories. Heavy and sensitive lab equipment and instruments must be accommodated on tables, shelves and carts. Plumbing, gas, ventilation, electrical and data services are complex, intense, expensive and integral to the design of the laboratory cabinets.
Laboratory cabinets are heavy duty, commercial grade cabinets built for the life of the lab facility. They are usually constructed of heavy gauge steel or wood with commercial hinge and drawer hardware for 24/7 heavy commercial use. Drawer slides used in quality lab cabinets are designed for more frequent use and heavier loads than other cabinets used in residential kitchens or commercial facilities with drawer capacities in excess of 400 lbs. Finishes used on laboratory cabinets are different too. Lab cabinets have to withstand harsh chemical spills so chemical resistant paints and finishes are used to protect against even the harshest acids. The Scientific Equipment Furniture Association sets standards for chemical resistant finishes. If your lab cabinets pass these strict standards, you have a high quality, durable product that will last for many years.
Lab cabinets have changed and have been developed over the past 125 years by leading laboratory furniture manufacturers. Since the 1950’s, researchers have asked for their lab furniture to be more easily modified and adapted to their changing research and facility space. The specialized lab furniture manufacturers have responded to this challenge. Today, lab cabinets are mobile, adjustable and reconfigurable.
Mobile:
Simply add wheels to lab cabinets and tables to maximize mobility in the lab. Researchers move tables and lab cabinets around the lab to accommodate changing research, instrumentation sharing, collaborative team work, etc. Heavy duty, lab instrument carts capable of carrying 2,000 lbs are a great way to share and move large, expensive and heavy instruments. Heavy duty casters with brakes and adjustable feet provide a durable, secure, vibration free platform.
Adjustable:
Just like the office furniture world, lab furniture shelves, work surfaces, and cabinets can all be adjusted up and down, removed or added as needed for changing needs at the work space.
Reconfigurable:
Many lab cabinet styles and configurations are available but what happens when your work space needs and research changes in the lab? In the past, lab researchers made do with the furniture they had or waited for funding to remodel the space and replace the furniture. In 2013, the leading innovator in laboratory furniture announced a new cabinet design never before seen in the lab. Our engineered lab cabinet that can be easily reconfigured by staff in the lab without expensive construction, remodeling, or new furniture costs. The concept is called Panorama for its wide range of options and application in the lab.
These and many other innovations in lab furniture are available to you today. Hicks Ashby is your local lab furniture design, installation and service expert for all lab equipment, lab furniture, fume hoods, sinks, and counter tops. We are here as a service to you for help with your lab facility goals, lab design, product choices and purchasing, installation, warranty and maintenance service. Since 1948, we have provided turnkey design and installation for hundreds of lab clients in education, health care, industrial and institutional facilities throughout Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. And we are happy to assist your design professionals and building contractors.
Count on our honest advice and local, personal service to help you achieve your research and facility goals. Our most rewarding days are helping clients improve the performance of their research and staff, achieve green and energy saving goals, reduce costs and health and safety violations. These are just some of the things we do for you and your lab facility.
Contact one of our lab experts today.
