Points To Consider While Buying A Light Table

A light table is an effective piece of industrial furniture that can enhance the efficiency and functionality of several industrial and laboratory workplaces. An industrial table can be used for a variety of applications like drawing, drafting, inspecting, designing, and more. The tables can also be used for checking photographic films, detecting defects in manufactured parts, reviewing artwork, or reviewing x-rays. Whether you are working on your own project or attending to clients with a presentation, light tables can make your job easier. (Information credit: https://www.rdm-ind.com/product-category/industrial-work-tables/light-tables/)

The light table is a table that has a horizontal light box below its surface. When you place something on the table, the light box illuminates the subject. So, you can view and inspect the item perfectly. Light tables use fluorescent lights most commonly due to its low heat emission. The light can also be dimmed with a remote so the working individuals can get just as much or as little light as they need.

How to Choose a Light Table?

Light tables are available in various styles and designs. Although they are similar, each type has a few unique characteristics. So, you need to pick one based on your requirements from the online or offline stores of industrial furniture manufacturers. By choosing a table that is specifically useful to your field of work can enhance the efficiency and productivity of the workplace. These are the points you need to consider while buying a light table –

1. Source of the Light

Light tables can operate with both power cords and batteries. No matter which source you choose, it does not make much difference. However, you must make sure that the light is an LED light. This way, not only it will be more energy-efficient but it will also burn cooler. So, you can touch it easily. The objects you need to inspect are placed on the table surface just above the light. So, the surface must be cool to provide the working individually with comfort. However, if the reason you are purchasing the table is viewing x-rays, then you must go for a clinical light table that complies with the hospital regulations. For example, pick one that is equipped with a hospital-grade plug for safety.

2. The surface of the Table

The light table you buy must have a durable surface so you can work on it easily with low maintenance. Durability becomes an even more important matter when the table is required to be moved from one place to another without removing the items placed on it. It is also better for the light table to have a tray feature so there are reduced chances of items being dropped and damaged. If you are using the table to check art or blueprints, then it would be a great option to have a table that has a tilting work surface as it would make your job easier. When it comes to surfaces, there are several options to choose from. You can pick a hardened industrial plastic that is durable and translucent. You may also go for frosted glass or tempered glass if you prefer.

3. Clarity of the Table Surface

If a light table is bought to use for inspecting objects, having a clear surface is a must for it. If the surface is not clear enough, then it is not possible for the working individual to check and inspect the items placed on the table. So, a glass surface is the ideal type of surface for a light table. Keep in mind that you need to be careful while choosing the type of glass. For instance, a lot of light tables are provided with plexiglass surfaces, but they cannot be used by stained-glass artists. The reason is that plexiglass melts at 320 degrees Fahrenheit. However, stained-glass artists apply more than 400 degrees Fahrenheit with soldering irons. So, plexiglass is not suitable for this application. Thus, it is crucial to consider the intended use of the light table so you can pick the best one suited to your requirements.

4. Mobility of the Table

You can purchase either a fixed or mobile light table as both models are available in the market. Either type has its own benefits. When it comes to working on the table, a fixed table is a better option because it is more stable. However, if the table is used in multiple departments and you need to move it from one place to another frequently, then a mobile table is more suitable. So, the best option in this scenario is choosing a light table with high-quality wheel-castors. The wheels can be used to move the table while the castors can lock the table in one place and allow you to work stably.

5. Maintenance of the Table

Like any other piece of industrial furniture, industrial light tables must be easy to clean. It is even more important if you are buying clinical or lab tables. Sometimes, you must apply harsh cleaning chemicals for cleaning the table. So, keep in mind that the table should be chemical-resistant. It is also important to ensure that the table is not affected by germs or bacteria. So, a stainless-steel table is the best option for a light table because it can be maintained easily.

Final Thoughts

After considering these points discussed above, you can understand your requirements better. So, you can choose the right light table, inspection table, x-ray viewing station, or drafting table accurately that is most suitable for you and your workplace. However, while purchasing light tables or any piece of industrial furniture, make sure to go for a high-quality product. You can ensure the quality of your table by purchasing it from a renowned and reliable manufacturer. It is important to not be tempted by cheap offers. Good quality industrial furniture does not come cheap but the cost is worth it. So, it would be a better idea to research the standard market price before buying the table.

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Arnold Reeves Joined: February 13th, 2019