A workbench is one of the most important items in your warehouse. An industrial workbench is used for various activities -  packing, sorting, labelling and even storage. For the handyman or handywoman, a workbench can be used at home too. Whether you’re using it in an industrial or residential space, there are a few things to consider before you make your purchase decision. Not sure how to go about finding the right workbench for your warehouse? We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing a workbench for your warehouse. 

Tufferman stocks a range of industrial and residential workbenches that are made from high grade, powder-coated, European steel and have strong chipboard shelving and worktops which combine to offer outstanding rigidity, strength and durability. Browse our range of residential and industrial workbenches HERE.

What will it be used for?

The first thing you need to consider is what the bench will be used for. Will it be used for sorting products? For packaging? Storage? Workbenches are specially designed for different activities and come in a range of materials and sizes to accommodate these activities. 

Types of industrial workbenches

 

Assembly bench

Used for manual work, an assembly bench is versatile and ranges in size, often designed with bin rails, pegboards and drawers to store supplies. Workers use an assembly bench to assemble or dismantle products. Remember to invest in good lighting above your workbench to ensure the area is well lit.

Electronics workbench

An electronic workbench, is well, as it says - a workbench specifically designed for assembling electronic products. These workbenches often come with a built-in power source to test the products during the assembly phase. Typically, an Electro Static Discharge (ESD) grounding bolt is added to the work surface to prevent damage to sensitive electronic items.

Shipping workbench

Creating a dedicated space for packing shipping and receiving activities is highly recommended. A dedicated station to take care of shipping-related tasks will increase productivity and make your workers’ life a whole lot easier! Remember to measure the workbench to ensure it’s ergonomically designed to support your workers’ physical health. Scroll down to see our height and depth recommendations. 

These workbenches are often accompanied by shelving to store packaging materials like foam rolls or bubble wrap. Consider proper shelving for your warehouse to store your packing materials and/or products. View our range of industrial shelving and racks HERE

Testing benches

You guessed it! A testing workbench is used for product testing. Testing benches provide an efficient work surface with easy access to accessories needed for the testing process. A power supply is typically required for testing benches. 

Portable or static?

The first thing to consider when searching for a workbench is whether you need a portable or static station. In some cases, your warehouse may require a portable workbench that can be moved to different areas and used for different activities. Portable workbenches come with wheels that can be locked when they reach their destination. Static workbenches on the other hand stay in one place. As they do not need to be moved, static workbenches are far more robust and durable than a portable workbench. Static workbenches have screws that allow you to anchor the workbench to the floor which prevents it from shifting around during use.

Surface material

Industrial workbenches come in a range of materials, including chipboard, melamine, metal and galvanised steel. The right material for your workbench will depend on what you’ll be using it for. 

Chipboard 

Workbenches with a chipboard surface are best suited for storage or stock rooms. Your industrial workbench should be able to withstand varying weight. Tufferman’s industrial workbenches can withstand up to 800kgs of weight. View our range of chipboard surface workbenches HERE

Melamine

Melamine offers a smooth, cleanable work surface making it ideal for warehouses or factories handling food. It’s also a good work surface for handling clothing products. Rigorously tested to FEM (European Federation of Material Handling) standards our workbench units comply with all relevant ISO manufacturing quality requirements. View our range of melamine surface workbenches HERE.

Head to our website to search for a workbench by height, length and depth. 

Height

Height is probably the most important dimension to consider when choosing a workbench. You want to avoid a low workbench that forces your workers to hunch down, which can cause neck and back issues. Generally, we recommend 36” in height, as the standard. The height of the workbench should meet the wrists when standing naturally with your arms at the side. 

Length

Choosing the right length for your workbench comes down to personal preference and/or your work requirements. Think about what activities you’ll be doing on the workbench and the space you have to accommodate it. 

Depth

24” is typically the minimum in terms of workbench depth. The depth of the workbench shouldn’t be longer than your arm. Our workbenches can accommodate up to 800kgs. Head to our website to browse workbenches by size and weight. Looking for reliable equipment for your warehouse?

Visit Tufferman and browse our extensive range of industrial shelving, racks, workbenches and simple storing solutions. 

Our 15,000 square foot warehouses are located just outside of Chelmsford in Essex and stock the complete range of products as listed on our website. Weekly deliveries directly from the manufacturer ensure that this stock is always maintained, which enables us to offer immediate dispatch, even next day delivery.