Laboratory Panels
Overview
Function Within Laboratory Equipment
Laboratory panels serve both structural and protective roles within laboratory infrastructure and equipment. They may be used as external surfaces that operators interact with, or as internal components that support instruments, electronics, and testing apparatus.
Typical functional roles include:
Equipment housing panels
Instrument interface panels
Protective splash panels
Structural panels within laboratory benches
Control panel substrates
Containment system panels
Electrical insulation panels
Because laboratory systems often involve complex assemblies, these panels are frequently produced from engineering drawings to ensure compatibility with surrounding equipment.
Why Plastics Are Used in Laboratory Panels
Plastic materials offer several advantages that make them suitable for laboratory environments.
Key benefits include:
Resistance to many laboratory chemicals
Electrical insulation properties
Lightweight compared with metal alternatives
Smooth surfaces suitable for hygienic cleaning
Dimensional stability for precision installations
Ability to machine complex shapes and cut-outs
Engineering plastics also allow laboratories and equipment manufacturers to fabricate panels with precise tolerances and repeatable quality.
Recommended Materials for Laboratory Panels
Perfect for producing complex interior panels, seat backs, dash components, and protective trims. It delivers a durable, hard-wearing finish that stands up to daily passenger use while remaining lightweight and cost-effective to manufacture in volume.
Polycarbonate is a high-impact, virtually unbreakable material perfect for bus windows and safety barriers, providing excellent clarity, strength, and long-term durability.
Acrylic is a clear, rigid material ideal for bus barriers and interior panels, offering excellent optical clarity, a smooth professional finish, and good weather resistance for long-term use.
PVC is a durable, lightweight material suited to internal bus panels, offering good impact resistance, moisture resistance, and easy fabrication for clean, low-maintenance interiors.
Popular Laboratory Panels
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ABS Plastic Sheet
Price range: $113.54 through $340.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Acrylic Sheet (Perspex)
Price range: $60.00 through $2,358.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Polycarbonate Sheet (UV Resistant)
Price range: $101.20 through $2,541.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rigid PVC Sheet
Price range: $40.43 through $2,177.60 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Custom Manufactured to Your Drawings
Laboratory panels are often designed as part of a broader equipment assembly or workstation. Custom manufacturing ensures panels fit accurately within the system and meet operational requirements.
Components can be produced from:
CAD files
Technical drawings
Prototype parts
Dimensional sketches
Manufacturing typically supports:
Prototype development for equipment design
Low-volume production for specialised instruments
Repeat manufacturing for laboratory equipment suppliers
Typical Applications
Laboratory panels are used in a wide range of scientific and industrial laboratory environments.
Common applications include:
Laboratory instrument front panels
Protective splash panels for workstations
Equipment access panels
Chemical testing station panels
Analytical instrument housings
Control interface panels for laboratory equipment
Internal structural panels for testing systems
Cleanroom workstation panels
These components help maintain safe and organised laboratory workspaces.
Key Performance Requirements
Mechanical Requirements
Laboratory panels must maintain structural integrity while supporting equipment or protecting internal systems.
Important mechanical characteristics include:
Good rigidity and dimensional stability
Resistance to cracking or warping
Impact resistance where equipment handling occurs
Precision tolerances for accurate installation
Design & Integration Considerations
Designing laboratory panels requires attention to both functionality and integration with existing equipment.
Important considerations include:
Panel thickness and structural strength
Mounting compatibility with laboratory furniture
Access for wiring and connectors
Compatibility with laboratory cleaning protocols
Space for instrumentation and control interfaces
Providing detailed drawings helps ensure panels are manufactured accurately and fit correctly within the equipment system.
Alternative Options:
All components used in this application are manufactured in-house using controlled, drawing-led production processes. We do not supply generic or off-the-shelf products. Each part is produced to specification to meet defined mechanical, environmental, and installation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laboratory panels are used as structural, protective, or interface components in laboratory equipment and workstations.
Yes. Panels are usually produced according to customer drawings or equipment specifications.
Common materials include polypropylene, PVC, polycarbonate, and HDPE depending on the application.
Many plastics provide good resistance to common laboratory chemicals, although compatibility should always be considered.
Yes. CNC machining allows precise openings and routing features.
Yes. Materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic can be used where visibility is required.