Frequently asked questions.
Plain answers about the material, the products and how Simmons supplies them. Anything not covered here, ask us directly.
The material
What is an epoxy resin worksurface?
A worksurface cast as a single solid piece of epoxy resin. The colour runs through the whole material rather than sitting on the surface, and the result is seamless and highly resistant to laboratory chemicals. It is a moulded casting, not a pressed panel, which is what separates it from laminate and phenolic alternatives.
How chemically resistant is epoxy resin?
Simmons epoxy resin was tested against the 49 reagents of SEFA 3-2020 by SGS INTRON in March 2026. Sixteen left no detectable effect and a further 24 only a slight change in colour or gloss; eight produced a clearly discernible change in colour or gloss, and one, 96% sulphuric acid, a change in appearance. The standard allows four such results, so the material conforms. All 49 results are on the chemical resistance page and in a downloadable table.
Has Simmons epoxy resin been tested to SEFA 3?
Yes. Simmons epoxy resin was tested to the SEFA 3-2020 recommended practice for laboratory work surfaces (section 2.1, chemical and stain resistance) by SGS INTRON Laboratory in March 2026, and conforms: one level 3 result in 49 against an allowance of four. The results are on the chemical resistance page.
Epoxy resin or phenolic: which is right for a laboratory?
Epoxy resin is the choice for wet chemistry and harsh environments. It is cast in one piece, so sinks and drainers can be moulded in and there are no joints to trap contamination, and because the material is solid the resistance runs through its full thickness rather than sitting on the surface. In the SEFA 3-2020 test of 2026, 40 of the 49 reagents left no effect or only a slight change in colour or gloss. Many laboratories use more than one material, matched to the work each bench does. Tell us what the bench has to take and we will say honestly whether ours is the right answer.
What colours are available?
Five standard colours: Grey, White, Cream, Black and Dark Grey, all in one semi-gloss finish, and other colours are available to special order. On-screen colours are a guide only; small material samples are free.
Are epoxy resin worksurfaces heat resistant?
Simmons epoxy resin is post-cured for mechanical strength and chemical resistance. In the UL 723 surface-burning test of September 2025 it achieved a Flame Spread Index of 10 and a Smoke Developed Index of 350, which meets the requirements for a Class A classification. Heat insulation pads should be placed between a top and a steambath or hotplate, and the material should not be used with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
Can dry ice or liquid nitrogen be used on an epoxy resin worksurface?
No. The Simmons specification is clear that the material should not be used with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
Products and sizes
Can worksurfaces be made to a custom drawing?
Yes. Most worksurfaces are made to specification. Send drawings, schedules or requirements and the team will come back with a quotation. Moulds are made in-house, so special shapes, drip cups, troughs and non-standard sinks are all possible.
Do Simmons make their own moulds?
Yes. The resin system and every mould are made in-house at the Coventry works. New products are designed in solids-based CAD/CAM software, the tooling is made in the tool room on site, and a prototype is cast for approval before the mould goes into production. Export crates are built in the works too, to the size of each consignment, for ISPM15 shipping.
What sink options are there?
Drop-in, drop-on and undermount sinks with an integral flange, moulded sinktops with single or double drainers, and drip cups, all cast in the same epoxy resin as the worksurfaces so the whole bench behaves as one material.
Buying, export and care
Do you export epoxy resin worksurfaces?
Yes. Simmons supplies laboratory furniture fabricators, distributors, contractors and institutions in more than fifty countries, and export enquiries are welcome.
How do I clean and maintain an epoxy resin worksurface?
The surface is seamless, so routine care is a wipe-down with warm water and a mild detergent. The full guidance is in the installation and maintenance guide, available as a download.
The company
Who manufactures epoxy resin worksurfaces in Britain?
Simmons (Mouldings) Ltd casts epoxy resin laboratory worksurfaces, sinks, drainers, edgings and fume-cupboard bases in Coventry and ships to laboratories in more than fifty countries. The family has made patterns, moulds and castings in Coventry since 1905, and has cast epoxy resin worksurfaces since 1982.
Are Simmons (Mouldings) and Simmons Epoxy the same company?
They are two arms of the same Simmons family business and share the same casting heritage. Simmons (Mouldings) Ltd manufactures in Coventry, UK and serves the UK and worldwide export markets; Simmons Epoxy, formed in 2015 as Simmons North America, serves the United States and Canada.
A question we haven't answered?
Ask us directly, or send your specification for a quotation.