Blogs & News
- Category: Laboratory
- DATE: October 8, 2024
How To Select Casework and Equipment for Your Lab
The design and setup of a laboratory are about more than just aesthetics or storage solutions; it’s about creating a functional, safe, and efficient environment where scientific discovery can thrive.
Selecting the right laboratory casework and equipment is a critical decision that affects how scientists work, the research quality, and the researchers’ occupational safety. This guide will help you choose the right lab casework to boost productivity and safety.
What Is Laboratory Casework and Equipment?
Lab casework refers to the built-in cabinets, drawers, and added countertops used for lab storage and workspace. Unlike traditional household furniture, lab casework is engineered for durability, cleanliness, and functionality, making it a foundational element in any laboratory design.
On the other hand, lab equipment refers to the various tools, machinery, and instruments used for scientific testing, analysis, and experimentation such as sterilizers, autoclaves snorkels, glassware washers, ice flakers, lab refrigerators, and more. Together, casework and equipment make up the physical framework that allows a laboratory to function properly.
Why Choosing the Right Casework and Equipment Matters
While casework and equipment often disappear in the background in a bustling laboratory, these structures and materials offer more than a simple storage solution.
Safety First
Safety is the number one priority in any laboratory, and choosing the right casework and equipment plays a huge role in maintaining a safe working environment. Labs may handle volatile chemicals, biological materials, and hazardous substances that require special containment measures. Choosing casework with chemical-resistant surfaces ensures that spills don’t lead to dangerous reactions or damage, reducing the risk of contamination and accidents.
Enhancing Efficiency
Selecting the appropriate lab casework and equipment doesn’t just impact safety — it also boosts the overall efficiency of your laboratory. Laboratories should be designed to streamline workflows, strategically placing casework and equipment to minimize unnecessary movement or clutter. Custom casework tailored to specific lab functions ensures everything needed is within reach, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Fostering Scientific Discovery and Appreciation
The right lab setup can directly influence the quality of research and scientific discovery. When lab spaces are thoughtfully designed and well-stocked with the right tools, scientists can focus more on their research and less on logistical problems.
The equipment used in labs must be accurate, reliable, and tailored to the specific needs of the research. For example, choosing the correct type of fume hood or biosafety cabinet can directly impact research results. High-quality equipment ensures that scientists can trust their data, leading to more reliable and groundbreaking discoveries.
What are the Laboratory Casework Options?
We have told you why choosing the right casework matters, now let’s get into what those choices are. Not all laboratories are created equal, and different types of labs will have varying needs when it comes to casework materials. The choice between wood, steel, stainless steel, or plastic laminate casework depends on the laboratory’s purpose, the substances handled, and the environment it operates in.
Wood: Labs focused on biology, general research, or low-risk applications may choose wood casework for its natural aesthetics, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Wood casework is durable and can be designed for various lab styles, making it ideal for educational and research labs that do not require high levels of chemical resistance.
Steel: Labs that handle heavy-duty equipment or need robust, long-lasting furniture often opt for steel casework. Its strength and resistance to impact make it ideal for physics, electronics, or engineering labs. Steel is also fire-resistant, providing an added layer of safety for labs that work with high temperatures or potential fire hazards.
Stainless Steel: Labs that require high levels of cleanliness and contamination control—such as medical labs, cleanrooms, or labs dealing with corrosive chemicals—will benefit from stainless steel casework. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and easy to sterilize, making it the go-to option for environments where hygiene and durability are important.
Plastic Laminate: For labs that require a more budget-friendly option but still demand functionality, plastic laminate casework is a great choice. While it may not be as resistant to chemicals or fire as steel or stainless steel, plastic laminate is a practical solution for labs focused on light research or non-hazardous materials, such as in educational settings.
Each material serves a specific need, and understanding the purpose of your lab will guide you in selecting the appropriate casework to ensure safety, efficiency, and durability.
How H2I Group Can Help
At H2I Group, we understand that every laboratory has unique requirements, and we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting the right casework and equipment. With years of experience in laboratory design and supply, we work closely with you to create a space that meets your safety, efficiency, and research needs.
Here’s how we can assist:
Consultation and Planning
Our experts work with you from the beginning to understand your lab’s specific goals and needs. We take into account factors like:
The types of research or experiments being conducted
Hazardous materials you may be working with
Storage needs for chemicals, samples, and equipment
Ventilation and fume hood requirements
Ergonomics and ease of workflow
Detailed consultation ensures that the casework and equipment we recommend are perfectly suited to your needs.
Custom Design Solutions
H2I Group specializes in creating custom lab designs that optimize both form and function. Our custom casework options are designed to meet the specific demands of your lab environment, ensuring durability, chemical resistance, and long-lasting performance. Our experts will help you think through the benefits of storage drawers compared with sliding on hinged cabinet doors, the perks of adding pegboards for quick access and more.
We offer modular casework solutions that can grow and evolve with your lab’s changing needs and fixed casework with anchorage options for more permanent installations. Our designs prioritize efficiency, safety, and flexibility, ensuring your laboratory is functional today and prepared for future innovations.
Installation and Ongoing Support
Once you’ve selected your casework and equipment, we provide professional lab casework installation and lab equipment installation services to ensure everything is set up correctly and functions as intended. Our team takes care of the logistics so that you can focus on what matters most — the science.
In addition, we offer ongoing support to address any future needs, whether it’s expanding your lab, upgrading equipment, or remodeling an old laboratory. H2I Group is dedicated to being a long-term partner in your laboratory’s success.
Top-of-the-Line Equipment
At H2I Group, we source only the highest quality laboratory equipment from top-notch laboratory casework suppliers to ensure your lab is equipped with the best equipment available. From lab essentials to specialized scientific instruments, we offer a full range of equipment that meets industry standards for safety and accuracy.
Explore Our Past Projects
Browse our extensive portfolio of projects to see how we’ve helped other institutions maximize their spaces. Any features you like in our past work can be incorporated into your project.
Building a Better Lab with H2I Group
Selecting the right casework and equipment is crucial for creating a laboratory that’s not only safe and efficient, but also conducive to scientific discovery. Investing in durable, ergonomic, and flexible designs creates a space that enhances workflow, ensures safety, and fosters creativity.
Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process — from planning and design to installation and ongoing support. We understand the unique needs of scientific environments and provide customized solutions that help your laboratory reach its full potential.
Reach out today at [email protected] to learn how we can help you create the perfect lab environment.
recent blogs
GET STARTED
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT TODAY
Are you in need of expert guidance for your building project? H2I Group’s experienced professionals are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.
