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A workbench is a robust, flat, and smooth molded surface available in multiple sizes, tailored for specific purposes. These range from elaborate setups used in engineering design, machining, and precision tooling, to finely crafted wooden tables for woodworking, metalworking, and project design.
High-quality workbenches are equipped with sturdy supports, enabling them to bear the weight of heavy machinery and tools. Manufacturing and production workbenches, sometimes referred to as workstations, are similar yet possess distinct differences in scope. Workbenches offer larger work areas suited for a diverse array of activities, whereas workstations serve as integral parts of production or assembly lines.
The following example from Bench Depot illustrates a versatile workbench featuring lighting, storage for small components, leveling guides, and other specialized characteristics.
The classic workbench of the past decades has transformed into advanced designs constructed from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. These contemporary workbenches have smooth, finished surfaces, ensuring easy cleaning and offering an ideal solution for efficient workspace management.
Workbenches are versatile tools with multiple applications and are used differently depending on their specific purpose. They are essential in assembly and production operations, providing a solid and convenient workspace.
The primary function of a workbench is to support applications involving large tools. Industrial workbenches are used for finishing, assembling, and component repair. Most heavy-duty industrial workbenches can hold over 1600 lbs (750 kg) and are designed to support heavy tools and equipment.
Tool support systems assist with impact wrenches, power tools, grinders, and table saws. The main advantage of tool support is to reduce worker fatigue, improve productivity, and provide ergonomic support. A common tool support system is the torque arm, which includes telescoping, glider, and articulated torque arms.
In an industrial setting, all equipment, including workbenches, must withstand heavy use and meet the demands of manufacturing. The work surface needs to be thick and covered with protective materials like resin or Formica. It must be resistant to chemical spills, harsh solvents, oil, and alcohol.
The steel frame workbench below is an example of a sturdy, well-constructed workbench designed for industrial use.
All manufacturers do frequent tests of their products to determine the products stability, performance, and quality. These necessary tests have to be performed away from production at specially designed workbenches, as seen in the image below, which is designed for the testing of electronics.
Assembly workbenches must be designed to integrate seamlessly into the production flow, often requiring custom engineering. A critical factor in their design is employee comfort. Ergonomic configurations ensure that workers remain comfortable, which helps maintain production efficiency. Most assembly workbenches include shelves and cubbies for easy access to parts and components.
The delicate and precise nature of laboratory work demands equipment designed to uphold proper conditions for experimentation. In many labs, workbenches are equipped with lighting and are kept sanitary to prevent contamination.
The design of an industrial workbench includes several factors: the ability to handle heavy loads, durability, vibration resistance, and being usable with manufacturing equipment and machinery. Most industrial workbenches use stainless steel or aluminum as the construction material.
The work surface of a workbench has to be smooth and sturdy, and resistant to solvents, chemicals, alcohol, and petroleum products. Small parts and testing workbenches usually feature a finished top covered in resin or plastic laminate. For heavy manufacturing, industrial workbenches are made of stainless steel or aluminum with corresponding surfaces for durability and resistance.
Part of the move toward ergonomic workspaces involves designing workbenches with adjustable tops, allowing workers to alternate between seated and standing positions. Height can be adjusted manually with a hand-operated crank or electronically with a height adjuster. Electric height adjustability is particularly recommended for multi-shift and multi-operator environments, as it offers effortless adjustment and can be programmed for individual users.
When planning a workbench, its weight capacity is a crucial consideration, as it directly impacts the safety and functionality of the workspace. The weight load capacity ensures the protection of workers from potential hazards and injuries. The three standards for workbenches are:
Depending on the industry, the weight capacity of an industrial workbench can be critical. Standard designs permit work with heavy machinery, tools, and equipment. Heavy duty workbenches can handle light part work for heavy products that may need repair and assembly. The high weight capacity of extra heavy duty workbenches makes it possible to repair heavy machinery from production equipment such as presses and molding equipment. The extra heavy duty workbench, pictured below, has a weight capacity of 14,000 lbs (6350 kg).
Standing for extended periods in one position can result in muscle injuries, with back injuries being among the most common workplace issues. Continuous work at a workstation often leads to repetitive motions and overexertion, causing injuries to the arms, legs, and back muscles. To address these concerns, modern workstation manufacturers have embraced ergonomic design principles. Ergonomics focuses on creating tools and workspaces that enhance efficiency and safety, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall comfort.
The key component of ergonomics is the realization that something that may be ideal for one person may not fit the needs of another. Ergonomic workstations and workbenches have substantial physical and psychological benefits since they reduce the strain of repetitive activities and the stress from such activities. Additionally, ergonomic workstations lead to a healthier work environment and fewer illnesses and injuries.
Factors include in Ergonomic:
For most industrial applications, workbenches are made from 7, 12, 14, or 16 gauge steel. For lightweight applications and less stressful use, they can be made from certain types of wood and aluminum.
Metal and steel supports or legs offer the greatest load capacity and stability, making them suitable for most projects. Stainless steel legs are particularly beneficial in moist or damp environments due to their corrosion- and rust-resistant properties. Solid wood legs can match the load capacity of metal and steel legs but may be more expensive. For lightweight, less demanding projects, limited weight capacity table legs can be used.
The workbench, pictured below, features shelves, lighting, a drawer, a power strip, bins, an adjustable height crank, and a footrest.
The designs for workbenches are endless since they are crafted for specific applications and uses. They can be very simple with a flat surface for completing and finishing projects or complex with electrical outlets, computer interfaces, shelving, and drawers. The wide variety of types and configurations matches the long list of their uses. Below is a description of a few types.
Portable workbenches are small and light for easy movement. They are designed to be inserted into workstations that do not require a permanent work surface. Portable workbenches may have casters and folding legs.
Woodworking workbenches are designed for shaping and building wood projects. They come in multiple sizes, with larger versions suited for complicated projects involving oversized components, such as building staircases or assembling framing.
Metalworking workbenches are very sturdy, strong, durable, and stable. They are used for shaping metal through welding, grinding, and light casting. Their design typically includes vises and clamps for securely holding metal parts.
Electronics workbenches are designed for repairing electronic components and equipment, such as computers, and require a power source. They are tailored for seated work, featuring excellent lighting to aid precision tasks. To protect delicate electronic equipment, these workbenches are equipped with grounding and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) solutions.
Cleanroom workbenches are engineered to meet stringent cleanroom standards. They feature surfaces made from non-porous materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, which are resistant to chemicals, rust, solvents, and petroleum products. These surfaces are also designed for easy cleaning to maintain a contamination-free environment.
For many businesses, having custom workstations built can be highly beneficial. This customization can range from designing small custom shelves or integrating cutouts in the work surface for scales to creating entire custom workstations that integrate with conveyors and other industrial operations.
Tilt-top workbenches are commonly used for drafting and design work. They need to be height and tilt adjustable, with manual or mechanical adjustment functions to accommodate various working positions and tasks.
Isolation workbenches are designed to protect sensitive equipment from vibrations. They are used for working with precision scales, spectrometers, microscopes, testers, and lab instruments. These tables require a precisely balanced surface and leveling feet to ensure stability and accuracy.
Cabinet workbenches are designed for applications that require multiple components and tools. They feature a pegboard backing for tool storage, along with drawers and shelves for additional organization. The surfaces can be made from welded steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or highly finished and polished wood.
Jewelry workbenches are highly specialized for working on extremely small pieces and often feature a section cut out or an extension that allows for close, detailed work. They are designed specifically for precision applications in jewelry making and repair.
Workbenches are sometimes integrated into material handling systems, where ball bearings raised a fraction of an inch from the tabletop help move heavier materials with reduced strain on the worker.
Heavy-duty workbenches are built for harsh conditions and continuous use. Constructed from high-grade steel, they are designed to withstand the impact of machinery and equipment without bending or collapsing under the weight. These workbenches can support several tons.
Packaging workbenches have to be specially designed for all types of packaging requirements. They have storage space for bubble wrap, wrapping paper, multiple sizes of envelopes, tape, labels, and other packing materials. The design below is preconfigured for packaging needs.
Among the many styles and types of workbenches, modular workbenches have become the most popular due to their versatility and adaptability. Portable and mobile versions feature casters, allowing them to be moved to the areas where they are most needed.
Modular workbenches can be configured to fit the specific needs of an application. They can be easily adapted, expanded, adjusted, and reshaped to meet new requirements as conditions change. As with all industrial workbenches, modular workbenches are required to have heavy-duty construction using highly durable and resilient materials.
Modular workbenches come in various forms, including fold-out work tables, table saws, cabinets, drawers, pegboards, and shelving. They are designed for easy adjustment and customization to meet different work requirements.
Wall storage systems feature customizable and adjustable drawers, cabinets, and cupboards. With accessories and add-ons, these systems can quickly adapt to accommodate different storage needs. They are available in various heights and configurations to suit specific requirements.
Tool mountings are racks with shelves designed to store molds and dies. These systems are built to hold heavy parts and remain stable when rolled out. They can also store modules, motors, engine parts, and fixtures.
Modular workbenches can increase storage capacity by incorporating peg boards and wall-mounted tool racks. These features are adjustable in size and can be adapted to suit various conditions, adding flexibility to the modular design.
Workbenches are designed to enhance performance and improve efficiency. When properly engineered, they create an ergonomic, enjoyable, and efficient workspace. Since workspaces vary greatly, designers rely on the following basic principles when planning a workbench:
All industrial workbenches are designed with adjustability to adapt to the unique needs of each user. This adjustability ensures that workstations can be customized to fit individual configurations, applying basic ergonomic principles. The goal is to create a balance between the worker's needs and their efficiency, accuracy, comfort, and well-being, ensuring that workbenches support optimal performance and user satisfaction.
In an industrial environment, a workbench should be positioned for easy access to enhance efficiency and productivity. Proper placement is crucial as a cumbersome or complex access method can slow down production and assembly processes, undermining the workbench's role in streamlining operations.
Lighting is a critical component of workbench design, providing the necessary illumination for project completion and assembly. Overhead lighting is commonly used and comes in various widths to accommodate different spaces.
Most workbench light fixtures utilize LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and reduce operating costs. LED bulbs offer higher brightness and intensity and often use prismatic lenses to distribute light evenly across the work surface. For precise or delicate tasks, under-shelf lighting is preferred due to its proximity to the work surface and customization options for specific applications.
Access to electricity is crucial for operating tools, testing, monitoring equipment, and performing other tasks. Many workbenches are equipped with built-in power strips to facilitate easy access to power, as shown in the example below.
The need for moisture control varies based on the workbench's use. In wet or damp environments, workbenches are typically made of stainless steel, making additional moisture control unnecessary. However, in areas where parts must be protected from moisture, a moisture control device is essential.
Moisture control devices can range from simple solutions to more extensive systems, such as the humidity control equipment pictured below.
Tools, especially for large applications, can occupy significant space. Companies often overlook the need for adequate storage when setting up a workbench. To ensure efficient operation, tools should have designated storage areas so that all employees can access them easily.
The variety of workbench designs, from portable to wall-mounted, allows for placement in any location. When determining the use of a workbench, consider whether it needs to be mobile, secured to a wall, or have space around it for multiple users. Space constraints should be evaluated well before purchasing to ensure the workbench fits the intended location.
A possible consideration, for some locations, is the need for plumbing. Cleanroom and laboratory workbenches may require plumbing due to the nature of their work. This may or may not be true for other industrial applications. It is a point to consider when designing workbench placement.
An adjustable work bench is a tool that allows the user to adjust and regulate the height of the work surface to a more ergonomic and comfortable position for the safe and effortless performance of work...
A lab bench is a specially designed bench or table that is able to assist in the performance of laboratory experiments and tasks, including the handling of reagents and test samples. Part of the design process for...
A portable workbench is a flexible and mobile work surface that is designed to function in multiple environments for the purpose of preparing, constructing, or servicing a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications...
Metal shelving is storage space with compartments and partitions where tools, equipment, books and files are packed in or where some chemicals in laboratories are packed in. Metal shelving is an invention that offers storage solutions for a diversity of industries...
A mezzanine is an intermediate floor installed in a building between the main floor and the ceiling that is partly open to the main floor. They have a low ceiling and project out over the main floor but do not completely cover it...
A mezzanine floor is a middle floor that is installed between the ceiling and the ground floor to provide extra space for storage, assembly operations, or office space. The normal design for a mezzanine floor is 25% of the flooring of a building or smaller...
Modular buildings are buildings made up of standardized sections, called "modules," manufactured in a controlled environment of a factory away from the building's future location. The common factory-made, standard modules include walls...
A pallet rack is an upright structure made of steel framing with beams and connectors that are bolted, welded, or clipped together to form a shelving unit to store inventory and equipment. In warehousing, pallet racks are...
A portable office is a mobile workspace that can be easily assembled and placed to provide a quiet and convenient location for meetings, completing paperwork, or examining plans. They are built using...
Prefabricated buildings, or prefabs, are buildings with components (walls, roof, and floor) that are manufactured in a factory or manufacturing plant. These components can be fully or partially assembled in a factory which is then transferred at the construction site...
Storage rack, also known as racking, is a structure that stores items and materials and comprises at least two upright (vertical) frames, horizontal beams, and some sort of decking (bars, panels, meshes, or none)...
Warehouse racking, also known as storage or pallet racking, is a material handling system suitable for mass storage of goods unitized on skids or pallets. It allows efficient utilization of space while providing easy access to stockpiled items for better inventory control...
A work equipment platform is an elevated platform or surface in a manufacturing or production site that provides easy access to equipment and machinery. The raised space of a work equipment platform...