An electronic workbench is an essential tool for those who work in environments surrounded by high tech equipment. An electronic assembly workbench provides employees a place to work, but it can also protects workers and machines from a buildup of static discharge. Electronic workbench manufacturers insulate the workbenches they build to prevent this type of shock.

The pricing and costs of electronic workbenches will vary depending on which kind of electronic workbench for sale will best suit your needs. Some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an electronic workbench are:

1. The size of the electronic service workbench.

2. How many workbenches your company will need.

3. Whether you choose to buy new or used workbenches for your business.

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Choose an electronic workbench supplier that provides multiple levels of ESD protection

Electrostatic discharge, or ESD, protection is important in many industries that use high tech equipment on a daily basis. There are many types of electronic workbenches you can purchase for your business that come with varying levels of ESD protection. These desks can cost $800 to $1,000, according to the amount of ESD protection insulation your business requires.

I recommend: Electra Tec offers electronic workbenches that varying levels of ESD protection, with components that help disburse the charge. Compliance Engineering Magazine provides a detailed description of ESD protection in the workplace and what to look for when buying products with this feature.

Consider modular electronic workbench workstations for more storage space

Electronics workbenches come in many different models. But if you want to build complete workstations around the electronic workbench, consider a modular electronics workbench. This will provide extra storage space for equipment and puts everything an employee needs within reach. Modular workbenches range in price from $650 to $1,000, depending on the amount of storage space they have.

I recommend: CompMark offers a couple of different styles for modular electronics workbenches. ABTEC is another supplier that can provide your company with modular workbenches in many different styles and sizes.

Look into buying an electronic workbench used to save money

Because most electronic workbenches are made out of solid materials that include steel, compressed wood and laminate, the product can stand the test of time. This means that you could find great deal on used electronic workbenches for your company if you want to save some money. Used workbenches can cost $100 to $500, depending on their condition.

I recommend: American Surplus offers modular electronic assembly workbenches in good used condition. LeDoux Industries is another provider of quality used equipment, including electronic workbenches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you discover that most base models of workbenches are not the right fit, find electronic workbench suppliers that can build workbenches for your company with custom options.

Working with sensitive electronic components requires an effective electro static discharge (ESD) program that includes electronic workbenches designed to control ESD, which accounts for numerous device failures in the semiconductor industry. Without an electronic service workbench, you can count on increased costs tied to product failure and/or shortened product life spans.

You can easily go online to find an electronic workbench used for your electronic repair shop, engineering firm, clean room or R&D firm. You can start with a workbench and add on to build a custom workstation, or you can add simple accessories to a workbench to enhance its effectiveness. As you begin to shop around for electronic workbench workstations:

1. Start your search with electronic workbench manufacturers.

2. Check electronics workbench suppliers that stock workstations from multiple manufacturers.

3. Consider a used/pre-owned electronic work bench for your business if your budget's tight.

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Contact technical or electronic workbench manufacturers to learn more about their products

If you prefer a particular brand name, start with the manufacturer. Most technical and electronic workbench manufacturers provide lots of options in lighting, storage and power for customizing a workbench to meet your specific needs.

I recommend: Design your own electronic assembly workbench with the Design Online feature at Formaspace Technical Furniture and submit it to them for a price quote. Their electronic workbench workstations exceed the electronics industry's electro static discharge requirements, and they come with a comprehensive warranty. Contact Lista to discuss your ESD requirements and design the electronics lab work bench that will make your work easier and safer. The company's origins go back to 1945 in Switzerland when they manufactured various metal products. Lista International headquarters now sits in Holliston, MA, and they build all their furniture there in a 225,000 square-foot facility with 250 employees. Choose from the broad selection of electronic workbenches from All-Spec Industries. All-Spec specializes in static control equipment since 1988 and promises your complete satisfaction or a full refund or exchange.

Buy from electronics workbench suppliers and distributors that carry a large variety

Find electronic workbench suppliers and distributors where you can purchase electronic workbench units designed for assembly, lab or service work.

I recommend: Go to Grainger, a company founded in 1927, if you need a electronic workbench for sale. Their premier electronic workbench spans 62 inches across and 66 inches vertical and comes with overhead cabinets and a nonconductive plastic laminate work surface. Purchase electronic workbench workstations from Supply Center Online. They carry the AP Series ergonomic electronic workstations with legs that adjust from 31 to 35 inches high. Consider the Sturdilite ESD workbench at Correct Products for your workspace. An ESD products and electronic workbench supplier, this company first opened its doors in 1983 as a supplier of ESD control products.

Save money with a used electronic workbench for your company

Though not as easy to come by as new workbenches, used electronic workbenches remain durable and should last for many years.

I recommend: Visit American Surplus (ASI) to purchase a used electronic assembly workbench. ASI, founded in 1992, occupies a 460,000 square-foot warehouse in Rumsford, RI, and acquires its used furniture and equipment from companies either closing their doors, consolidating or relocating. LeDoux Industries carries both new and used workbenches, so contact them to see if they carry the used electronic workbench you need in stock.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Reduce safety risks by purchasing electronic workbenches with built-in power supplies and ergonomic features for your business.
• •  Look for electronic workbenches and workstations that come with static dissipative laminate work surfaces and ESD paint options.

An electronic workbench supplier or electronic workbench manufacturers are great places to start when looking to purchase electronic workbench supplies and equipment. Whether you are shopping for a new electronic workbench for sale or looking to save money with an electronic workbench used, the supplies or equipment that you purchase to go along with it will serve to make your work life much easier.

An electronic workbench generally comes for sale with a variety of optional equipment and accessories that basically work to make your space more usable. Consider the following supplies and equipment to complement your electronics lab workbench.

1. Make sure any electronics lab work bench you consider comes complete with storage to maximize work space and keep you organized.

2. Look for electronic workbench workstations that can be made mobile with casters.

3. An outlet panel to plug in electronic devices is considered by most users to be an electronic workbench must.

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Look for storage options to maximize electronic workbench space

Shelves, cabinets and drawers are helpful for storing books, papers, extra hardware, etc. Consider purchasing an electronic workbench with storage options to help keep you organized and maximize your workspace.

I recommend: Formaspace offers a variety of customizable storage options. Rand Materials Handling and Packaging Supplies manufactures an electronic tech bench complete with storage drawers and shelving.

Increase your electronic workbench mobility with casters

Caster sets with swivel and locking devices offer you the flexibility of moving your workbench as you see fit. This can ultimately increase your productivity by allowing you to be easily collaborative by moving side next to co-workers. Your workbench can remain stationary by simply locking the casters into place.

I recommend: SteelSentry's ESD Tables and workbenches come with total lock casters. Additional equipment for purchase with a Stanley Vidmar electronic workbench includes mobile casters.

Make sure any electronic workbench for sale you consider comes with an outlet panel

Outlet panels are considered by many electronic workbench users to be a necessity. These panels allow you to plug in multiple electronic devices at once, minimizing the need for several extension cords and eliminating the mess and confusion that comes when cords from various devices get all tangled together.

I recommend: AnytimeProducts manufactures an electronic workbench with an optional bench duplex outlet panel. Wolfco Associates offers a series of electronic workbenches -- allowing you to choose from a bench with one, two, four or six outlet panels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many electronic workbench manufacturers offer you a custom design process, to let you work with the manufacturer to add extra supplies, equipment and accessories to suit your work needs. This type of service may cost a bit more, but you will be purchasing a workbench that is specially tailored to you, which means you are not paying for anything you will not use.

Electronic workbenches are used by companies and individuals who work with electronics on a daily basis. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) must be avoided when working with electronics, because they can cause damage to the highly sensitive parts. Electronic workbenches have anti-static properties that allow workers to do their jobs without the threat of static electricity interfering. If you are in the market to buy electonic workbenches, it is best that you brush up on your electronic workbench key terms before making your purchase.

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Technical electronic workbench

Technical electronic workbenches are used by businesses who need static-free work surfaces. These workbenches come with electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding capabilities.

I recommend: Lista International offers photos of technical electronic workbenches organized in different ways to accomodate any work environment.

ESD

Electrostatic discharge, otherwise known as ESD, happens when electricity is passed through a body or some other type of conductor. Companies that work with electronics need to have workbenches for their employees that eliminates this electrical discharge so that sensitive equipment is not damaged or destroyed.

I recommend: SiliconFarEast.com has a detailed description of ESD. They describe how ESD happens, who it affects and what type of electronic failures can be attributed to ESD.

Anti-static workbench

An anti-static workbench is one that is grounded so that static electricity and ESD does not affect the products being worked on. They have worksurfaces that help to eliminate ESD and come in different shapes and sizes to accomodate the type of electronic work that is being done, as well as the employeess doing the work.

I recommend: There are a variety of anti-static work stations available at All-Spec Industries, with detailed descriptions for each.

ESD chairs

Electronic workbenches that require anti-static properties need to be coupled with chair with chairs that eliminate ESD, as well.

I recommend: TDI International has ESD chairs in different shapes and sizes to accomodate different work benches and employees.

Ground cords

A ground cord is used in ESD workstations to prevent static electricity. They can be used to ground wrist straps, table mats, floor mats and shelf liners.

I recommend: ESDProduct has several lines of grounding products, including ground cords.

Table mat

Table mats are used on electonic workbenches to help reduce ESD and static electricity, and also to provide workers with glare-free work surfaces.

I recommend: There are several anti-static table mats to view at Stanley Supply & Services.