Epoxy resin lab countertops have been an industry standard for decades. This top is an ideal work surface for applications in many labs due to its chemical and heat resistance.
Custom Fabricators can supply and install epoxy resin countertops. This includes fume hood tops, balance tables, drainboards, shelving or custom shapes.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a thermoset polymer known for its advanced corrosion and heat resistant properties. Solid surface tops are formulated from a mix of epoxy resin and silica. A curing and heating process permanently sets the material.
The end result is a solid slab that has superior physical and chemical resistance properties compared to other lab countertops.
It is possible to modify the properties of cured epoxy to achieve specific characteristics. Color is a popular addition in lab settings.
All CFI lab countertop products are tested to SEFA standards, including SEFA chemical and stain resistant testing used throughout the industry.
Benefits of Using Epoxy Resin Tops
Epoxy resin is popular in laboratory workspaces and can be found in K-12, university, medical, pharmaceutical, biological science and industrial lab settings.
Benefits of this material include:
- Resistant to a large range of chemicals
- Flame and heat resistant
- High tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths
- Corrosion resistant
- Extremely hard and dense
- Superior fatigue limit
Epoxy Resin Vs. Phenolic Resin
| Comparison | Phenolic Resin | Epoxy Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Application | Moderate: Ideal for worktops where steady use and frequent cleaning is expected. | Heavy: Laboratories requiring chemical and flame resistance. |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 350°F | 350°F+ |
| Weight | Moderate | Heavy |
| Lead Time | 4-6 weeks if custom requirements are needed. (Standard stock sizes are available with shorter lead times.) 2-3 week lead times available for 10-15% price increase. | 5-7 weeks. (Standard stock sizes are available with shorter lead times.) 2-3 week lead times available for 10-15% price increase. |
| Base Composition | Resin, *chemical resistant film, overlay paper, kraft paper. | Epoxy resin, silica & pigment for color. |
| Moisture Resistance | Moderate | Moderate |
Although both types of countertops are resin, their formulation is very different. Phenolic resin lab countertops are constructed from kraft paper substrates, and can meet a wide range of laboratory workspace requirements.
Epoxy resin is a better candidate for workspaces requiring a higher degree of caustic chemical and flame resistance.
Phenolic resin is a good fit for steady use where frequent cleaning is also expected.
The primary difference between the two materials is their overall resistance to heat, solvents and acids. Epoxy also requires a larger upfront investment and longer lead times.
Epoxy Resin Countertop Use Cases & Applications
Typical applications for epoxy resin is in laboratories where chemical and flame resistance is required. Lab sinks, fume hood tops, balance tables, shelving and pegboards can also be fabricated from epoxy resin.
Epoxy Resin Lab Sinks
Epoxy resin sinks are typically a great choice because they provide added durability and corrosion resistance.
CFI offers drop-in style and undermount sinks to complete your laboratory package. Drop-in sinks feature a lipped design which is flush mounted into a recessed cutout. This is the easiest way to install a laboratory sink.
Fume Hood Top/Base
CFI offers a variety of lab fume hood configurations and features to suit many applications. Additionally, we can supply and install epoxy resin tops to fit your fume hood cabinets.
Custom Fabricators Supply & Installation
We offer the highest quality monolithic epoxy resin tops machined to your specific lab design requirements. Our team is committed to finding the right countertop, or complete workbench solution for your laboratory needs.
Our epoxy products are certified for safe indoor air quality, for use in food handling areas and tested to SEFA standards. In addition, all CFI crews and field installers are fully insured to meet all job site requirements.
Options & Accessories
Edges
We offer standard flat top or marine style edges.
Marine, or no-drip edges, can prevent liquid spills from damaging casework, flooring or personnel. They are typically used in environments where containment is necessary.
Flat or bevel edges are a good option when user contact stress or equipment placement flexibility is a primary concern.
Colors
Black is the most common color for epoxy resin countertops, but many other colors are available for a slight upcharge.
Colors include:
- Tan
- Lunar white
- Gray
- Dark Khaki
- Graphite
Formulations
We offer standard and Greenstone epoxy worksurfaces.
Greenstone epoxy is an eco-friendly alternative that meets SCS requirements for post-consumer recycled content. It features the same durability, performance and appearance as the standard formulation. Certified for safe indoor air quality.
Greenstone may help achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits.
Sinks & Draintops
Epoxy resin drop-in, single and double undermount sinks are additional options. Drop in sinks are the easiest to install, while undermount sinks require an additional support system for installation.
Draintops offer additional liquid drainage capabilities using a specially molded board. These can be used with both drop-in and undermount style sinks.
Drain grooves can be machined into a draintop or undermount sink to provide a drying area for labware.
If maximizing space is paramount, we offer drop-in cupsinks in a variety of dimensions. Cupsinks are ideal for liquid waste disposal in areas where larger basins are not wanted.
All faucets provided by CFI are manufactured by our exclusive laboratory faucet partner WaterSaver.
Backsplash
A backsplash, or splash guard, protects casework from spills, excessive heat and daily wear. CFI can fabricate epoxy resin backsplashes to your desired height and thickness. Material is shipped with epoxy smooth-on adhesive for installation. v