An industrial workbench table can easily make or break your production area.
This important piece of furniture plays a critical role in the productivity of a space, from the storage space it provides to the protection against harsh chemicals it offers.
Especially in a commercial setting that relies on a high level of productivity, the design of an industrial workbench has a direct impact on efficiency and workflow.
When choosing a workbench for your industrial space, here are some things to keep in mind in order to boost production.
Storage Space is Critical
Insufficient storage issues can lead to a cluttered workspace and a lack of easy access to the tools employees need to be productive.
Customizing an industrial workbench is a great way to add storage options to a work area without taking up additional expensive space, which can occur when a company must add additional pieces of furniture to rectify storage issues.
For example, some space-saving options that can be included in the design of a commercial workbench include:
Utility drawers that come in a variety of sizes and configurations- Shelving that can be installed below or above the work surface
- Upper storage cabinets with flipper doors
- Articulating monitor arms that can accommodate flat screens and laptops
- Keyboard trays that can be added to any work surface or articulating arm
- CPU holders that can be fixed or adjustable
- Pegboards that can be added between the uprights to attach tools
- Bin rails or panels to store parts and accessories
Drawers, in particular, can play additional roles in a workbench beyond providing storage space. For example, look for drawers that include locks if keeping chemicals and other items safe is a priority.
Often, drawers can be customized into a certain configuration that makes sense for the use of that workbench. For example, the same amount of space can hold four 3-inch and two 6-inch drawers, or eight 3-inch drawers.
Don’t Overlook Workbench Capacity
How does a workbench’s capacity impact the productivity of that piece of industrial furniture? When choosing a particular workbench, how that workbench is used is limited by its weight load capacity and strength.
If production needs change, but cannot be met by the current workbench in place, production may come to a halt until a piece of industrial furniture that can support a project is secured. That’s why when choosing an industrial workbench, it is important to keep in mind potential uses in the future as your operations grow.
Typically, there are three choices in weight load capacity available:
- Heavy duty, which has an around 5,000-pound capacity
- Extra heavy duty, which has a 10,000- to 20,000-pound weight load capacity
- Standard, which has a 750- to 1,000-pound weight load capacity
The construction of a workbench also impacts its durability and strength, which can impact long-term productivity. When customizing your workbench, take careful note of how the legs of the workbench are constructed.
- Heavy duty workbench construction uses 14 gauge steel with 2-inch square steel legs for extra support.
- Extra heavy duty construction uses 12 gauge steel and is welded with 3-inch bench legs for long-lasting strength.
- Standard construction uses 16 gauge steel and is welded with 2-inch square legs.
Countertop Choice Is Important
Even the choice of countertop on the workbench is an important decision when looking for ways to boost production.
Without the right countertop, a workbench becomes simply an office desk, and in most industrial environments, that won’t cut it. That’s because many industrial applications include the use of chemicals, abrasives, heat and moisture.
Even if these do not currently pose a risk, should your applications change as your company grows, you may want to avoid the prospect of having to replace every workbench’s countertop.
There are several work surfaces available, from a high pressure laminate top to stainless steel, phenolic resin and epoxy resin.
You can read more about the pros and cons of the different available materials in our article, The Top 5 Materials To Consider For Your Lab Countertops.
Embrace Ergonomics
Industrial workbench manufacturers are placing a higher value on ergonomics. That’s because some of the most recently available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows sprains, strains and tears were some of the leading types of injury in manufacturing.
Although these are generally minor injuries compared to the more serious types of incidents that can occur in commercial and industrial settings, even incidents of smaller magnitude can cause a decline in worker productivity and increase in time off the job.
Ergonomics focuses on refining a product’s design so that it is better optimized for human use. This increases productivity and boosts safety in a workspace.
In the case of workbench design, ergonomically-friendly changes may include the use of adjustable hydraulic benches, which allow workers to choose whether they want to sit down or stand up at the bench simply by using a manual, hand crank or electric control. Industrial chairs may also help support employees who spend long periods of time sitting.
Even ergonomically-designed drawers can help prevent repeated strains to the body, which can help promote the well-being of your employees.
Customization Is Key
Working with an industrial furniture company that offers customization is key to securing the best commercial workbench that will boost productivity.
If you’re in the process of adding or upgrading a workbench in your space, an industrial furniture company will help you figure out your exact needs while bringing your ideas to life in a timely manner.
