Laboratory Casework Materials
Laboratory casework materials should be selected from the room’s actual exposure and workflow—not from one universal hierarchy. USPE helps buyers compare 304 stainless, 316 stainless, powder-coated steel and powder-coated stainless around corrosion, cleanability, coating damage, color requirements, fabrication, cost and lifecycle needs.
Key planning considerations
- Chemical inventory and chloride exposure
- Cleaning agents, concentration and contact time
- Wet versus dry work areas
- Required colors and finish appearance
- Scratch, impact and coating-damage risk
- Cabinet and countertop construction
- Initial price and lifecycle considerations
- Material samples, certifications and submittals
Build a quote-ready equipment scope
Useful RFQs identify the facility type, project stage, intended workflow, quantities, room constraints, available utilities, required options and expected delivery timing. When drawings or bid documents are available, include them during project review so equipment requirements can be coordinated around the full scope.
Why facilities specify stainless laboratory casework
Stainless steel can provide a durable, non-porous and readily cleanable surface for laboratory cabinets and work areas. Corrosion and stain performance varies with alloy grade, surface finish, fabrication quality, contaminants, cleaning agents and chemical exposure, so project specifications should document the real operating conditions.
Casework can be configured with adjustable shelves, drawers, compartments, sink bases, lockable storage, mobile units and coordinated laboratory workbenches. USPE supports both standard configurations and project-specific layouts for institutional purchasing.
Specify the substrate and finish separately
“Stainless,” “powder coated” and “steel” describe different parts of a material system. A reliable submittal identifies the substrate alloy or steel type, surface preparation, coating chemistry when applicable, color and gloss, fabrication details and required performance documentation.
Do not treat 316 as immune to bleach, chlorides or strong acids. Performance depends on concentration, temperature, contact time, surface condition, crevices and rinsing. Likewise, a powder coating can be damaged or breached; the exposed substrate then determines corrosion behavior.
High-temperature alloy data is not a finished-worktop rating. The safe operating temperature for laboratory casework must account for the complete assembly, including reinforcement, seams, adhesives, coatings, cabinetry, nearby stored materials and connected utilities.