Laboratory cabinets are the perfect solution for keeping laboratory equipment, materials, and chemicals. Lab cabinets help organize sample bottles and protect all laboratory equipment from unauthorized use. However, there are two significant types of laboratory cabinets. They are the metal and steel cabinets. When furnishing your laboratory, how do you pick the perfect cabinet type and which is best for you? These questions will be answered in this article.
What Are Metal and Steel Lab Cabinets?
Metal lab cabinets are typically constructed from either galvanized steel or stainless steel. It is known to provide a functional storage solution for various laboratory appliances. These cabinets offer a durable and secure environment to organize and protect your lab essentials, promoting safety and efficiency. On the other hand, steel cabinets are specific types of metal lab cabinets. It is a more restrictive form of metal Lab Cabinets.
Differences Between Metal and Steel Cabinets
● Durability
Metal laboratory cabinets offer superior durability compared to cabinets made from wood or plastic. They can withstand years of heavy use and exposure to lab environments without significant wear and tear. On the other hand, steel cabinets, particularly those made from thicker gauge steel, offer similar or even better durability than metal cabinets. However, thinner gauge metal cabinets may be more susceptible to dents or bending. Regarding durability, you should settle for other types of metal cabinets and not steel cabinets made from thin gauge steel.
● Chemical Resistances
Steel cabinets have the upper hand in terms of chemical resistance. All steel materials are made to withstand highly corrosive chemical ingredients or labs with low humidity. Other metal cabinets are designed to withstand chemical resistance but have different strengths to withstand corrosive solid chemicals.
● Cost
Steel cabinets, particularly those made from high-grade stainless steel, are generally the most expensive option among lab cabinets. Metal cabinets made from other materials are less costly to produce. The materials used in creating stainless steel cabinets are expensive; hence, if you want a large cabinet, you tend to spend more because of the cost of raw materials.
● Susceptibility to Dents and Scratches
Steel cabinets made from high-quality stainless steel are less prone to dents and scratches than metal cabinets made from other materials. They can easily scratch and spoil the aesthetics of the laboratory.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Laboratory Cabinet
Different factors will influence the type of laboratory cabinets you settle for. Below are some of those factors:
- Budget
- Types of chemicals that will stored in the cabinets
- Need for easy cleaning and disinfection.
- Desired aesthetics
- Importance of fire resistance
Conclusion
Consider a metal cabinet over plastic or wood cabinets when settling for lab tables. However, the type of metal cabinets you choose is up to you. This implies that you should tailor your budget along with the price of different kinds of metal cabinets. This is one way you will be happy with setting up a laboratory space. If you can afford it, you should settle for the best stainless steel laboratory cabinets on the market.
