Wright Line Modular Laboratory Furniture

As the amount of technology integrated at the laboratory bench increases, Wright Line continues to be the market leader in equipping those settings with modular laboratory benches and other laboratory furniture. With the right combination and access for all computers, electronics, technical equipment and instrumentation, Wright Line improves the employee workstation experience, facilitating safety, comfort and ergonomics, while maximizing the use of expensive square footage in high-density “shared-footprint” work environments.

Evolving Lab Benches, Working Spaces

To illustrate the rapid changes taking place in today’s laboratories one only needs to look at analytical laboratory environments where the glassware, wet sinks, open flames and manual analysis techniques of the past have been replaced by highly sophisticated instrumentation technology and information processes. As a result, jobs previously performed by people are now done by machines. This has radically changed workflow and space requirements. Properly housing and accessing this equipment, along with the required computers and flat panel displays (FPDs), has made traditional thinking about layout and spacing obsolete.

So, how do you come up with a design that addresses efficiency, economy, functionality, safety and constant change? You keep it adaptable, dynamic and open from the design right down through to the user level. The open laboratory concept is not a new one, but putting all functions in an undivided space fits particularly well with the challenges faced in today’s evolving laboratory. This way you have better utilization of space, improved interaction between work groups and lower construction costs.

The open concept laboratory is not simply about removing intermediate walls. If you want to get the most out of it, the open space has to be enhanced by non-traditional modular laboratory casework and service distribution systems. If you have modular laboratory benches, carts and tables that can be moved and reconfigured, you can easily reconfigure the entire lab to match new procedures and projects on an on-demand basis. Lab furniture with height-adjustability, vertical integration and accessory hardware allows your people to be more efficient and comfortable, in an ergonomic-friendly environment that minimizes repetitive stress injuries. And when all of this adaptability is at the user level, real efficiencies are realized through enhanced laboratory workflow and increased productivity.

Aside from the advantages of modular laboratory furniture mentioned above, there’s another significant cost savings advantage. Because modular free-standing laboratory benches are not fixed to the building, they have a much shorter depreciation cycle. For fixed equipment the depreciation cycle is calculated in double-digit years. It is drastically reduced for modular laboratory furnishings - it’s measured in single-digit years. That’s a cost savings that your finance team will love!

Analytical and Technical Lab Planning Considerations

Modularity

The rapid pace of today’s technology refresh rate underscores the need to use modular laboratory furniture systems that are adaptable.

Technology Integration

Today’s scientific and technical laboratory workers need to combine computer work with hands-on physical tasks in the same laboratory workspace. Keep in mind that there may be frequent shifting of attention from computers to electronics and test instrumentation.

Cable Management

Consider the increased cable loads at the laboratory workstation. Look for high-capacity horizontal and vertical raceways that house data and power cables as well as power strips.

Equipment Access

Service drawers, movable worksurfaces and storage options above and below the worksurface eliminate awkward reaching, bending or lifting.

> Learn more about our lab furniture systems and freestanding modular laboratory benches

At Wright Line we like to say that no one can rack and stack more computers, electronics, instrumentation, testing equipment and peripherals in a smaller footprint than we can. Our modular laboratory furniture systems, lab benches and mobile carts give you and your facility planners the ultimate flexibility to create space-efficient laboratory configurations that are easily adapted to changes in technology and workflow.

And, it’s all backed by 75 years of American manufacturing innovation and excellence.

> Learn more about our LMS, TechBench and TechOrganizer modular laboratory systems