How to Choose the Right Scientific Countertop
Architects, B2B engineers and procurement personnel often find themselves choosing between these two scientific surface solutions. What are the differences between phenolic and epoxy when considering countertop material for your worktop or cabinetry application?
Let us look at a 1″ thick surface board and compare them for an instance of selecting between countertop materials.
10 things to consider between phenolic resin and epoxy resin scientific surfaces
1. Cost
A standard black Epoxy resin board costs 35% more per square foot than phenolic resin, such as single sided black TopLab plus.
Verdict: Phenolic resin boards have a cost advantage since they come at a lower price point.
2. Lead Time
Lead Time for standard colors of phenolic 1″ Trespa TopLab Plus boards is 5-10 business days. Lead Time for Black Epoxy resin tops is 8 weeks.
Verdict: Expect a much shorter lead time with phenolic boards, and consider additional color options and advantages with phenolic boards below.
3. Warranty
Verdict: Both materials have the same standard warranty.
4. Color Options
Verdict: Phenolic has an advantage with more cost-effective color options and range.
5. Sustainability
Verdict: Phenolic has a huge advantage with sustainability since epoxy contains toxic characteristics.
6. Seniority
Verdict: Epoxy has been around longer, however phenolic material is growing in popularity because of its affordability and sustainable attributes.
7. Weight
Verdict: Phenolic weighs less without sacrificing quality. If you choose phenolic resin, you also save on shipping costs, which would add up especially if you have a large order.
8. Machineability
Verdict: Phenolic is much easier to work with if you plan to manipulate the material yourself, or have a distributor with limited capabilities.
9. Chemical Resistance
Both surfaces are non-porous and highly resistant to chemicals. A comparison of chemical resistance of epoxy resin vs. phenolic resin yielded similar effects in many areas, with the exception of certain chemicals (Acetone, Phosphoric Acid 85%, Sulfuric Acid 25% to 33%). Phenolic resin showed no detectable change in the material surface and epoxy resin showed slight detectable change in color/gloss, but no change in function or life of the surface.
Sulfuric acid 96% showed a slight detectable change in color/gloss but no change in function or life of the phenolic surface versus epoxy surface, which showed an objectionable change in appearance due to discoloration or etching.
Verdict: Phenolic consistently showed no change of material surface for most chemicals, giving phenolic another advantage over epoxy.
10. Heat Resistance
Verdict: Epoxy has a higher heat resistance.
Conclusion
Phenolic resin has the bigger advantages in cost, color options, weight (for shipping costs), machinability, and chemical resistance – all which prove phenolic resin to be a winner in our book.
However, if you need higher heat resistance and prefer to trust a longstanding contender, epoxy resin would be your option.
If you have more questions about scientific surfaces and lab countertop applications or cabinetry, contact us.