Chemical Resistant Countertops

Formaspace offers a variety of chemical resistant work surfaces such as epoxy & phenolic resin countertops for wet labs. Depending on your application and budget, your Account Manager will help you select the right chemical resistant countertop for your lab project. Our tops are categorized based on their resistance to heat, corrosive chemicals, and carbon-based chemicals. Contact Formaspace today to find the perfect fit for your lab application and budget.wet lab chemical resistant workbenches

CONTACT ACCOUNT MANAGER

Chemical Resistant Tops Comparison

Please note that all the comparisons mentioned here were compiled based on product information available from product brochures and manufacturer test results applying different chemicals. Formaspace did not perform any tests under similar conditions to compare the countertops listed below.

EPOXY RESIN
PHENOLIC RESIN
COLORCORE PHENOLIC
STAINLESS STEEL
HDPE
LAB APPLICATION Heavy Duty Moderate Moderate Moderate to Heavy Duty Light Duty to Moderate
CORROSIVE CHEMICAL RESISTANCE High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
CARBON-BASED CHEMICAL RESISTANCE High Moderate Moderate High Moderate
TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE High Moderate Moderate to High High Poor
LEAD TIME Long Moderate Longer than others Long Quick
MATERIAL Silica and resin based Paper & resin based Paper & resin based Stainless Steel Plastic based
PRICE
SAMPLE ENVIRONMENTS Chemical, Industrial Medical, Clinical, Bio-science Medical, Clinical, Bio-science Food Service, Medical, Clinical Marine Biology, Food & Beverage
Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Chemical Resistant Countertop Options

Epoxy Resin Countertops

Epoxy resin countertops consist of sheets cast from modified epoxy resin and non-asbestos inert fillers; compounded mixture cured and thermoset specifically from formulation to provide exceptional physical and chemical resistance required in heavy duty laboratory environments.

Applications

Epoxy resin offers the highest and most trusted standard in chemical resistance, including corrosive chemicals, and very high-temperature tolerance. Epoxy resin is extremely robust and long lasting. Epoxy countertops are commonly utilized in K-12 labs, university labs, applied science research labs, hospital labs, clinics, pharmaceutical, biomedical, molecular pathology, industrial testing or any chemical labs including oil and spectrometry.

Available Colors

ADVANTAGES

  • Highest chemical resistance
  • Long-lasting durability and visual appeal
  • Low lifetime total cost of ownership
  • Offers high flexibility for labs which may be re-tasked later
  • Made in the USA

DISADVANTAGES

  • Epoxy resin is made to order, and may be subject to longer lead times
  • Epoxy resin is an extremely hard material, very difficult to customize or fabricate in the field.
  • Very heavy, may lead to higher shipping costs.
  • Installation needs to be performed by experienced personnel.
  • The most common colors are black and gray. If white or another custom epoxy color is requested, the price will increase.

Phenolic Resin Countertops

Phenolic Resin is constructed of saturated melamine resin and layers of phenolic impregnated kraft paper. The melamine resin and the kraft paper form into a monolithic slab under extreme heat and pressure to create a thick, durable, compact laminate. The melamine resin produces a very durable thermoset plastic when combined with formaldehyde.

Applications

Phenolic resin is well suited for a variety of industrial and laboratory applications, such as sample processing labs, microbiology labs, agriculture, water treatment facilities, R&D or testing labs, pharmaceutical, radiology, biochemical labs, photography labs and various medical labs. Especially popular in hematology and urology labs. Phenolic resin is a non-absorbent, moderately chemical resistant, heat resistant, moisture resistant, easy to clean, extremely hard material. The core of the phenolic resin countertops is always black. Formaspace stocks phenolic resin in multiple colors, and can special order custom colors on request.

Available Colors

ADVANTAGES

  • Totally nonabsorbent
  • Unique appearance and high durability
  • Easily modified in the field
  • Resistant to moisture
  • Remain stable up to 80°C of constant temperature load.
  • Easy to clean

DISADVANTAGES

  • Can be damaged by open flame
  • Not designed for caustic chemicals
  • Should not be exposed to direct sunlight, temperature over 135°C, or extreme humidity

Colorcore Phenolic Countertops

Phenolic Resin is constructed of saturated melamine resin and layers of phenolic impregnated kraft paper. The melamine resin and the kraft paper form into a monolithic slab under extreme heat and pressure to create a thick, durable, compact laminate. The melamine resin produces a very durable thermoset plastic when combined with formaldehyde.

Applications

Suitable for use on laboratory grade casework and as shelving, backsplashes, wall cladding, drawer fronts, cabinet doors, partitions and other structural components. Colorcore phenolic is particularly well suited for a variety of laboratory application settings, including sample processing labs, microbiology labs, hematology and urology labs, and more. Formaspace doesn’t stock colorcore phenolic resin and the lead time is slightly longer than standard phenolic tops.

AVAILABLE CORE COLORS

ADVANTAGES

  • Higher resistance to heat compared to standard phenolic
  • Lightweight, can be used for both vertical or horizontal applications.
  • Totally nonabsorbent
  • Unique appearance and high durability
  • Easily modified in the field
  • Resistant to moisture
  • Made in America

DISADVANTAGES

  • Can be damaged by open flame
  • Not designed for caustic chemicals
  • Should not be exposed to direct sunlight, temperature over 135°C, or extreme humidity

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel is low carbon steel, which contains chromium at around 10%. Chromium gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion resistant properties. Stainless steel has especially high levels of chromium and nickel-alloy grades and is able to retain its strength at high temperatures up to 1500 F (816 C).

Applications

Stainless steel countertops are recommended for carbon-based chemical labs, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, clean rooms, and specialty settings. Stainless is easy to clean and non-absorbent; there are no pores or cracks to harbor dirt, grime, or bacteria. Stainless steel is attractive and requires minimal care. It is the greenest material Formaspace carries due its infinite design lifetime and 100%, low-energy recyclability.

ADVANTAGES

  • 0% absorbency for easy cleaning
  • Beautiful, timeless appearance
  • 100% recyclable
  • High resistance to carbon-based chemicals and fire

DISADVANTAGES

  • Can be scratched
  • Dents after general use
  • Typically more expensive than other countertop options

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Countertops

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is best known as an FDA compliant food grade quality plastic. However, its’ resistance to acids and caustics make it a preferred countertop for labs that require chemical resistance in a soft surface. HDPE is a rigid plastic with a large strength-to-density ratio of up to 970 kg/m3. It can also hold up to 120 degrees C for short periods, 110 degrees C continuously. It also has exceptional resistance to UV rays.

Applications

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) may sound tough, but it is soft compared to other surface materials, making it great for working on delicate research subjects that can be damaged on harder surfaces. HDPE is often used in laboratory environments due to its lack of porosity and resistance to many solvents. Other applications listed are food and beverage, body product packaging, cleaning fluids, medicinal supplements, chemical resistant piping, and various biology labs.

Available Colors

ADVANTAGES

  • Very soft
  • Nonabsorbent
  • Resistant to many solvents
  • Economical alternative to other specialty surfaces
  • High impact resistant
  • Moisture resistant

DISADVANTAGES

  • Easily scratched
  • Low stiffness
  • Flammable
  • High thermal expansion

Testimonials

Contact