TAYLOR, TX (November 25, 2019) – For 53 years, R&D Magazine has recognized excellence in laboratory design, materials and construction through its Laboratory of the Year competition. A judging panel consists of architects, lab planners, construction project managers, a vendor representative from the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA), co-sponsor of the Laboratory of the Year competition, and the editors of R&D Magazine and Laboratory Design Newsletter. The 2019 winner is the MIT.nano lab.

Durcon supplied the epoxy resin worksurfaces, in an attractive Dark Khaki color, installed throughout the facility in conjunction with furniture provided by New England Lab (NEL). The MIT.nano is a collaborative facility that combines Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s nanotechnology, materials and engineering systems, all in one impressive workspace.

Contributors to this year’s Lab of the Year 2019 were announced and honored during a ceremony at the SEFA Annual Conference held on November 13-15 at The Westin in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Durcon representatives in attendance to accept the award were Vice President Kent Cook and VP of Strategic Initiatives Hank Von Der Bruegge.

TAYLOR, TX (January 15, 2019) – Until now, laboratory-grade worksurfaces meant compromise. A material durable enough to withstand the harsh environment of a lab, but light enough for vertical application and casework like shelving, required a major concession in appearance – a large black core visible at every cross-section. This interrupted the cleanliness of a space that functionally demands copasetic hygiene.

Solicor-CR is the answer. Named for its “solid core�, this worksurface eliminates the eyesore brought by archaic black cores of yesteryear. Solicor-CR is the monochromatic, color-through and chemical resistant, making it the ideal surface for today’s ultra-modern laboratories. With color options specifically developed to match Durcon Epoxy Graphite & Gray, this innovative material sets a new standard for labs by providing designers and builders with a robust combination of both performance and aesthetics.

Durcon Vice President Kent Cook states, “Since the inception of Solicor-CR, we knew we wanted a material that could easily be paired with our epoxy resin product to create a tough lab that holds steady under unforgiving conditions, but doesn’t compromise in appearance. There are many advantages to our new Solicor-CR, and my favorite has got to be its combination of strength and attractiveness.�

Engineered by Durcon parent company Wilsonart, Solicor-CR surpasses industry standards for chemical resistance, physical durability against impacts, scratching and marring, does not absorb moisture or corrode, and it achieved a highest-possible Class A for fire rating. All this performance is found in a surprisingly attractive compact that boasts a low weight density, making it easy to install.

Solicor-CR is offered in Graphite & Gray, both color-matched with Durcon’s Epoxy Resin product line, is available in 5’ x 10’ sheets in 0.375�, 0.5�, 0.75� and 1.0� thicknesses, and weighs an impressive 7.4 lbs/sq. ft. (1.0� thick option). It is proudly manufactured and fabricated in the USA, and guaranteed by an industry-best 10-year warranty.

To learn more and request samples, visit www.durcon.com/Why-Solicor-CR or call 512-595-8000.

Repost from Wicked Local Medford

It’s been 995 days since Medford school officials approved a nearly $14 million budget and schematic design to renovate 17 science labs at Medford High School. For those in the school community, it’s been well worth the wait.

When the doors open at the high school on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the science labs under construction all last year will finally be put to good use. For Headmaster Dr. John Perella, seeing the labs through to their completion is the perfect way to start the new school year.

"It’s certainly been a long time coming, especially for those of us who lived through the construction phase," Perella said. "Having these labs be a reality is really a special moment. We had to move 17 classrooms and nearly a quarter of our lockers were out of commission. It’s only natural for people to have been anxious waiting for the labs to be completed, but that only adds to the anticipation and now the excitement." Perella said the disruption caused as a result of the year-long construction was never something that negatively affected the quality of education at MHS. In fact, he said the entire school was behind the project and made sure the transition year was as smooth as possible.

"It’s very rewarding to know that when you look at the numbers, you see that our MCAS scores were up and we performed well in all other statistical analyses," Perella said. "We didn’t just survive the construction of the space, we came through ahead of where we were when we started. That’s what’s most exciting, knowing that now we have this amazing space to use to best educate our students."

21st century labs

The Massachusetts School Building Authority is picking up nearly 60 percent of the cost of the lab construction and renovation. During the design stage of the project, the MSBA independently approved the plans, and Director Jack McCarthy was one of the many individuals present for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the labs in June.

The new, state-of-the-art labs will be used by both Medford High School and Medford Vocational Technical High School students. The rooms will allow for modern engineering, biotechnology, environmental science and robotics classes to be taught.

The space will feature new lecture halls, professional development rooms for staff members, a centralized chemical storage area and new projectors.

Superintendent of Schools Roy Belson said the bigger rooms will allow the school to accommodate guest speakers and space for multiple classes, while the staff prep areas will allow teachers to get ready for classes while still keeping an eye on their room.

One of the highlights of the labs is they will help teachers meet the needs of modern-day curriculum standards, in an age when science and technology education is at the forefront.

Over 3,500 square feet of Durcon Epoxy Resin Worksurfaces are utilized throughout the many laboratories in the 87,700 square foot facility. Research space accommodates a diverse range of specialized tasks including testing corrosive lithium-ion batteries and utilizing ultra-low vibration apparatus to explore and fabricate new materials one atomic layer at a time.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, the ISB was awarded LEED Gold Certification in December 2013, for its energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable design, construction, and operations.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visitscience.energy.gov.

Referenced from Project at Brookhaven Lab Wins U.S. Energy Secretary’s Achievement Award by EIN Press Wire

Citing the company’s economic and community contributions, the Taylor Economic Development Corporation honored Durcon, Inc. with the 2013 Economic Engine Award.