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How To Choose the Right Cabinet for Your Laboratory?

• Posted by Adam Alford April 3, 2023 Filed in Business #laboratory cabinets  22 views
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  When it comes to laboratories, opting for a standard commercial cabinet often fails to serve the purpose. Laboratories are exposed to harsh chemicals daily and require a sophisticated work environment to successfully conduct experiments. Due to the unique requirements of a lab, stainless steel laboratory storage cabinets are mostly preferred among researchers.

  Custom laboratory cabinets not only serve as a storage option but also as pieces of furniture that can be customized as per the specific requirements of a lab. Before we jump into the benefits of using lab cabinets, here are the most common types that are available. (Information source: https://www.rdm-ind.com/)

  1. Standard steel cabinets for labs

  With the properties of high-quality steel, these cabinets are extremely durable, sturdy, and can withstand the impacts of a lab setting. Steel cabinets are also corrosion resistant which means they operate perfectly in exposure to water and moisture. Not only this but these cabinets can also be customized to meet the requirements and preferences in terms of designs and styles.

  2. Chemical resistant cabinets

  As the name suggests, these cabinets are resistant to commonly used chemicals that are mostly used in laboratories. Using stainless steel as the material, these cabinets also include chemical-resistant interior linings to withstand any spills. A chemical-resistant cabinet for this reason is a must-have to store the chemicals used in labs and prevent any accidents or damage.

  3. Flame Resistant Cabinets

  Like chemicals, a lab is also exposed to experiments that include high temperatures to produce an outcome. This can be dangerous if researchers and lab workers do not take the necessary precautions before conducting such an experiment, and this begins with installing a flame-resistant cabinet that is specially designed for labs.

  To ensure the heat, these cabinets are mostly made from 16-gauge steel, which you cannot get with standard commercial cabinets. Flame-resistant cabinets ensure greater protection from any potential damage or accidents and often feature self-closing doors along with other protective features.

  4. Flow Hood cabinets

  Flow hoods, or laminar flow hood cabinets, are perfect for maintaining a sterile environment in the lab and helping the lab workers conduct an experiment in ideal conditions. These cabinets often come with HEPA filtration that ensures the system cleans the air.

  This type of cabinet is mostly used in the medical sector and research labs where the workers need to maintain a contamination-free zone in the laboratory by keeping the dust, particulates, and dirt out of the cabinet system.  

  There are mainly two types of laminar flow hood cabinets: horizontal and vertical. While both types come with specific pros and cons, it mainly depends on what types of experiments you are conducting and other lab requirements.

  Conclusion

  While each of the types is ideal for a lab setting, it all comes down to choosing the one that best serves your needs. Make sure the lab cabinet you are choosing fits the functionality factor, can be personalized, and is durable.