Phenolic Resin Lab Tops

Phenolic resin laboratory countertops are a cost-effective choice for laboratory design and workbenches. This material is ideal for areas where regular use, frequent cleaning and either some chemical resistance properties are needed or none at all.

Custom Fabricators can supply and install phenolic resin tops, sinks and backsplashes. Multiple colors and performance characteristics are available.

What is Phenolic Resin?

Phenolic resin is manufactured from phenol and formaldehyde. This synthetic polymer is used to saturate multiple layers of kraft papers, which is then fused together with heat and pressure to create a solid surface.

Benefits

Phenolic resin countertops are a cost-effective alternative to epoxy resin in situations where higher levels of heat (350°F+) and corrosion resistance are not necessary. The material is popular in pharmaceutical and healthcare laboratory applications.

Specific benefits of phenolic resin include:

• Heat resistant up to 350°F
• Lighter in weight
• Low moisture absorption rate
• Moderate chemical resistance
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Shorter lead times

Although epoxy resin remains an industry standard due to its resistance properties, phenolic resin is a growing choice for many lab designs. In addition to it being lighter in weight and more cost effective, phenolic resin tops are easier to customize during manufacturing.

The kraft paper layering and coating process provide moderate levels of wear and tear resistance, although not to the same degree as epoxy.

Phenolic resin is best for workspaces that do not require high heat or caustic chemical resistant worktops. In such cases, phenolic resin can provide many of the same benefits as epoxy, but at a lower cost.

In some cases, Trespa Toplab Base is an option for labs that do not require chemical resistant work surfaces. Trespa high-pressure laminate (HPL) is created using wood-based fibres saturated in thermosetting resins.

Surface layers are then saturated with a melamine based resin. Components are bonded together using heat and pressure to create a non-porous and dense material.

Available in standard or fire-retardant grades. Top Base is a low maintenance, antibacterial and moisture resistant option.

Phenolic resin is commonly used when a contaminate-free laboratory environment is needed. Common use cases include medical/healthcare applications, such as microbiology and biochemical, or organics laboratories.

CFI is committed to finding the right lab countertop or workbench solutions for your laboratory needs. We have over 60 years of experience and an outstanding reputation for providing the finest materials, installation, finishing, and aftermarket service to all our clients.

Our epoxy products are certified for safe indoor air quality, for use in food handling areas and tested using SEFA standards. In addition, all CFI crews and field installers are fully insured to meet all job site requirements.

Lab sinks can be fabricated from Epoxy Resin. This sink material is a durable and solid, cost-effective choice when looking for an integral looking worksurface.

Both drop-in style, and undermount sink options are offered. 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, as it does not require any undermount support.

We offer standard flat top or marine style edges. Marine, or no-drip edges, can prevent liquid spills from damaging casework, flooring or personnel. This edge type is more commonly found in environments where liquid spill containment is necessary.

Flat or bevel edges are a good option when user contact stress or equipment placement is a primary concern.

All standard phenolic countertops have a black outside edge, as coloring is only on the top portion of the product. Color uniformity throughout the material is available upon request.

Colors include:

• White
• Pure white
• Mystic white
• Glacier blue
• Pastel gray
• Pastel gray/silver
• Slate gray
• Black

Phenolic resin material is available in standard, chemical resistant or fire rated grades.

Standard grades are designed for general use. Applications include cabinetry, assembly stations and doctor’s offices.

Chemical resistant phenolic resin includes an electron-beam cured layer. This provides additional resistance to harsh cleaning agents, solvents, acids and reagents. Applications include laboratories, shelving and mobile carts.

The fire rated grade is a thicker version of the standard grade, and is commonly used in elevators, stairwells, airports and similar institutions.

Thicknesses between .025” and 1.0” are available.

CFI offers phenolic resin drop-in, single and double undermount sinks. Drop in sinks are the easiest to install, while undermount sinks require an additional support system for installation.

For additional liquid drainage capabilities, we offer draintops. 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 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 will not fit.

All faucets provided by CFI are manufactured by our exclusive laboratory faucet partner WaterSaver.

A backsplash, or splash guard, protects casework from spills, excessive heat and daily wear. CFI can fabricate and install phenolic resin backsplashes to your desired height and thickness. Material is shipped with epoxy smooth-on adhesive for installation.

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