Modular Lab Furniture
For laboratory professionals, the term “modular lab furniture” is a broad reference to their need to move, adapt, and change the furniture in their laboratory to meet the changing needs of researchers, research and instrumentation. In the past, laboratories were designed and constructed for research that may have taken years to complete. Today, that same kind of research may be completed in a few weeks. Technology, knowledge and shared research advancements continue to accelerate research. Laboratory research changes include:
- Researchers multi task, collaborate with teams and move to various research spaces during the day.
- Much research is automated today requiring little human input.
- Less wet chemistry and more computer based research.
- Instrumentation changes dramatically every day in size, service and environmental requirements.
- Instrumentation is more specialized and costly so it is often shared among disciplines.
- Research is costly and increasingly must be justified to secure funding.
Modular laboratory furniture has contributed positively to the quality and performance of research over the years by adapting to these and many other changes. Traditional fixed cabinets and work surfaces are still available and used to a lesser degree today. Traditional fixed cabinets are used in core service areas or along perimeter walls where fixed plumbing and mechanical services connect like at fume hood and sink locations. Modular lab furniture (or lab casework, as it is commonly called) is increasing in use and available in many forms:
- Manual and electric powered adjustable height tables and benches
- Mobile carts, tables and cabinets
- Modular walls to separate research and office spaces
- Adaptable upright frames that hang adjustable shelves, cabinets, lighting, services, and work surfaces
- Lab cores that define service chases for water, exhaust, lighting, data and gas services
- Overhead service chases for gases, electric and exhaust services
- Flush ceiling mounted quick connect service panels for gases, data and electric
- Reconfigurable cabinets with interchangeable drawers and doors
- Flexible cabinet styles that combine wood, steel, stainless steel, plastic, polypropylene, phenolic resin
Modular lab furniture was first developed in the 1950’s by the industry leading laboratory furniture manufacturer in response to customer needs. As the largest manufacturer specialized in modular lab furniture, Haldeman-Homme, Inc. continues to lead in R&D and innovation in the lab furniture industry. Quality lab furniture must meet strict guidelines for safety, function, chemical resistance, stability, durability and energy efficiency and environmental hazards. For example, the Scientific Equipment Furniture Association (SEFA) sets standards for the chemical resistance of paints used to manufacture modular lab furniture. Furniture that has not been approved by SEFA should not be used in laboratory settings.
Because lab research changes quickly today, the design of a productive, adaptable lab is more complicated. Lab design specialists with experience and knowledge of products available to improve lab efficiency can help create a lab space that is productive today and flexible to change easily tomorrow. We specialize in helping our clients design, source and install modular lab furniture to accomplish their goals. We listen, offer our decades of experience and knowledge and help select products that will save money and improve lab safety and productivity.
Contact one of our lab specialists for assistance.
