Designing a Workbench Area - Sustema
Updated: Mar 5, 2021
The components in a workbench must be strategically placed to maximize its benefit and efficiency. Designing a workbench includes many factors, including weight capacity, access, illumination, electricity, moisture control, tool space, wall, plumbing, and many more. Below is a short description of the fundamental factors needed to be considered:
Load Capacity:
The load specifications of a workbench are one of the essential factors to be considered when designing a workstation catered for any application. These factors should not be overlooked to avoid any design failures during an operation. A standard workbench has a capacity of over 1000lbs (suitable for basic equipment and tools). On the other hand, a heavy-duty workbench has a capacity that ranges from 5000 lbs - 10000lbs. While for extra heavy-duty workbenches, they are rated at 10,000 to 20,000 lbs.
Floor Layout Configuration:
When designing for an industrial environment, a workbench should be strategically placed in easy access locations. A complex method in accessing a workbench will take a significant toll on the efficiency and productivity of an operation. Complicated access on a workbench will slow down the whole assembly and production line.
Illumination:
Lighting is an important factor that needs to be considered in designing a workstation. There might be poor illumination on a workstation if a workbench is located in the corner of a building. To address issues with low illumination, LED lights are added to the workbench to compensate for the needed brightness of a workstation.
Electricity:
Electricity or power source is needed for technologically integrated workbenches. The electricity would be essential for operation tools, monitoring, testers, computers, and other equipment. Most workbenches for these types of applications are built-in with power strips.
Tool Space:
Tools are a significant space consumer for applications working having a wide variety of operations. When designing a workbench, it is essential to consider the proper storage of the tools and equipment. Failing to design for tooling and equipment accommodation will impact space efficiency; this will decrease productivity due to lack of tooling storage systematization.
Wall or Freestanding:
A workbench can be designed to be wall-mounted or to be independently standing. There are different types of workbenches that allow for the placement of a workbench in any location. Due to this, when designing a workbench that will specially cater to your application, you need to consider whether you need a mobile workbench, wall-mounted workbench, or a centered-stationary workbench. The factors that will distinguish what bench is suitable for an application are the space available and the installation structure.
Other Accessories:
Special applications call for customized workbenches. Some of these workbenches are integrated with different widgets, unique structures, and customized accessories to be able to cater to every need in a specific workstation. Some of the accessories are listed below:
Drawers
Cabinets
Shelves
Bins
Platforms
Footrest
Downdraft
Microscopes
Power strips
Computers
Articulating monitor arms
Blow dryers
Keyboard trays
Shadow boards
Cable management systems
Electrostatic Grounding
Plumbing:
Particular types of workbenches dealing with aqueous solutions will need systematized plumbing installed. Some applications are seen in cleanrooms, chemical plating benches, and laboratories.
Moisture Control:
For specific applications in the industry, moisture should be controlled appropriately. The reason is to avoid posting a threat to the equipment and tools in the workbench. In order to cater to this issue, moisture control devices (humidity control equipment) are installed.
About Sustema
Sustema Inc. has over 20+ years of experience designing and manufacturing control room and technical furniture solutions for IT-intensive work environments. Browse our online workbench catalog.