Modular Histology Specimen Archive Unit for Chicago Diagnostic Labs | Cold Rolled Steel 1.0mm | Interlocking Safety Design for Biobank, China Supplier
Product Spotlights
The HENGNA Modular Histology Specimen Archive Unit is built for this purpose. It stores paraffin blocks (wax blocks) and microscope slides in the same cabinet system. With 1.0mm cold-rolled steel construction and interlocking safety design, this unit meets the demands of high-volume diagnostic labs and biobanks.
This is professional-grade storage. It is made in China by HENGNA, a manufacturer with decades of experience in medical and laboratory furniture. The quality is consistent, the materials are specified, and the pricing is factory-direct.
What This Unit Stores
This archive unit is designed for histology specimens. It can store both paraffin blocks and microscope slides, depending on which drawer configuration you choose.
Item Block Storage Configuration Slide Storage Configuration Product Type Histology Specimen Archive Unit Histology Specimen Archive Unit Total Capacity Approximately 16,000 blocks Approximately 55,000 slides Number of Drawers 20 drawers total 36 drawers total Drawers per Section 5 drawers (block version) 9 drawers (slide version) Number of Sections 4 sections stacked 4 sections stacked Single Section Size H360mm x W515mm x D480mm H360mm x W515mm x D480mm Total Cabinet Size (with base) H1520mm x W515mm x D480mm H1520mm x W515mm x D480mm Base Type Stainless steel moisture-proof base (standard) Stainless steel moisture-proof base (standard) The cabinet ships as four stackable sections. You can mix section types in one stack. For example, use two block sections and two slide sections in the same cabinet.
Key Features
1. 1.0mm Cold-Rolled Steel Construction
The steel thickness matters. Many cabinets use 0.6mm or 0.7mm steel to save cost. HENGNA uses 1.0mm cold-rolled steel throughout the cabinet.
What this means for you:
Strength: The cabinet will not bend or warp under full load
Durability: It lasts 20 years or more in daily use
Stability: Stacked sections remain rigid and secure
Weight capacity: Each drawer holds more weight without sagging
Cold-rolled steel is stronger than hot-rolled steel of the same thickness. It is the standard for high-quality laboratory furniture.
2. Interlocking Safety Design
Biobanks and diagnostic labs cannot risk cabinet tip-overs. The interlocking safety system prevents accidents.
How it works:
Only one drawer can open at a time
When one drawer is open, the others lock automatically
This prevents the cabinet from becoming top-heavy
Even with four sections stacked, the cabinet remains stable
This is a mechanical interlock. No electronics, no batteries, nothing to fail. It works every time.
3. Stackable Modular Sections
The cabinet is built in sections. Each section measures H360mm x W515mm x D480mm. You stack them to create a full-height cabinet.
Advantages of modular design:
Start with one section if that is all you need
Add sections as your collection grows
Mix block sections and slide sections in one stack
Move sections between labs if needed
Replace individual sections (rarely needed)
The sections interlock securely. No tools are required for stacking.
4. Stainless Steel Moisture-Proof Base
The standard base is stainless steel. It provides:
Moisture protection from wet floors
Corrosion resistance
Easy cleaning underneath
Slight elevation for air circulation
The base is included with every cabinet. No need to purchase separately.
5. Mobile Base Option
An optional stainless steel base with heavy-duty rollers is available. Features:
Four heavy-duty casters
Two casters with locks
Rolls smoothly even when fully loaded
Allows flexible lab layouts
Choose fixed base for permanent installation. Choose mobile base if you need to reconfigure your space.
6. Anti-Fallout Device
Every drawer has a metal anti-fallout device. This prevents the drawer from being pulled completely out of the cabinet. When you open a drawer fully, it stops at a safe point. No risk of dumping specimens on the floor.
7. Large Label Frames
Each drawer has a large stamped metal label frame. Features:
Made from durable aluminum alloy
Large enough for clear labeling
Easy to insert and remove paper labels
Accepts cardstock or laminated inserts
Label drawers by year, case number, tissue type, or project. Change labels easily as contents change.
8. Aluminum Handles
The drawer handles are solid aluminum. They are:
Comfortable to grip
Professional appearance
Durable and long-lasting
Attached with anti-scratch screws
The screws have a protective coating that will not scratch the cabinet finish.
9. Smooth Ball Bearing Slides
Each drawer operates on solid steel ball bearing slides. Benefits:
Smooth, quiet operation
Strong load-bearing capacity
Full extension for easy access
Consistent performance over years of use
The slides are rated for the full weight of specimens.
10. Electrostatic Spray Finish
The steel finish is applied using electrostatic spraying. This process:
Electrically bonds paint to metal
Ensures even coverage
Resists scratching and chipping
Withstands high temperatures
Resists common lab chemicals
The finish is baked at high temperature for maximum durability.
Technical Specifications
Specification Detail Product Name Modular Histology Specimen Archive Unit Model Numbers HNG-Block-20 (block version), HNG-Slide-36 (slide version) Total Height (with base) 1520mm (59.8 inches) Width 515mm (20.3 inches) Depth 480mm (18.9 inches) Single Section Height 360mm (14.2 inches) Number of Sections 4 (can be fewer on request) Material 1.0mm cold-rolled steel plate Steel Standard ASTM A1008 (commercial grade) Finish Electrostatic epoxy coating, baked Pretreatment 11-stage zinc phosphate process Drawer Slides Ball bearing, full extension, steel Handle Material Aluminum alloy Label Frames Stamped aluminum, large size Safety Features Interlocking system (one drawer at a time), anti-fallout devices Standard Base Stainless steel moisture-proof base Optional Base Stainless steel base with heavy-duty casters (2 locking) Block Version Drawers 20 drawers total (5 per section) Block Capacity Approximately 16,000 blocks (with standard trays) Slide Version Drawers 36 drawers total (9 per section) Slide Capacity Approximately 55,000 slides (with standard trays) Custom Options OEM/ODM available Manufacturer Luoyang Hengna Office Furniture Co., Ltd. Country of Origin China Block Capacity Details
For the block storage configuration (5 drawers per section):
Drawer Detail Measurement Drawers per Section 5 Total Drawers (4 sections) 20 Drawer Interior Height Approximately 65mm Drawer Interior Width 495mm Drawer Interior Depth 475mm Block capacity per drawer:
Tray Type Blocks per Tray Trays per Drawer Blocks per Drawer Standard single-layer 100 8 800 Double-layer 200 8 1,600 Thin-profile 120 8 960 Total capacity:
20 drawers × 800 blocks = 16,000 blocks (standard configuration)
Slide Capacity Details
For the slide storage configuration (9 drawers per section):
Drawer Detail Measurement Drawers per Section 9 Total Drawers (4 sections) 36 Drawer Interior Height Approximately 75mm Drawer Interior Width 495mm Drawer Interior Depth 475mm Slide capacity per drawer:
Tray Type Slides per Tray Trays per Drawer Slides per Drawer Standard 100-slide tray 100 15 1,500 Standard 200-slide tray 200 8 1,600 Thin-profile tray 100 18 1,800 Total capacity:
36 drawers × 1,530 slides (average) = approximately 55,000 slides
Interlocking Safety System Explained
The interlocking system is a critical safety feature for biobanks and diagnostic labs.
Why it matters:
A fully loaded four-section cabinet weighs several hundred pounds. If multiple drawers are opened at once, the cabinet can become unstable and tip forward. This is a serious safety risk.
How the interlock works:
Each section has a mechanical interlock bar. When you open one drawer, the bar engages and prevents any other drawer in that section from opening. The interlock also connects between stacked sections, so only one drawer can be open in the entire cabinet at any time.
This means:
The cabinet remains stable at all times
No risk of tip-over accidents
No electronic components to fail
No batteries to replace
Always works, every time
The interlock is standard on all HENGNA histology archive units. It is not an optional add-on.
Why 1.0mm Steel Matters
Steel thickness is measured in millimeters or gauge. Thicker steel means a stronger cabinet.
Steel Thickness Common Use Strength Lifespan 0.6mm (24 gauge) Budget office files Low 5-8 years 0.7mm (22 gauge) Standard office files Medium 8-12 years 0.8mm (20 gauge) Commercial files Medium-High 10-15 years 1.0mm (18 gauge) Industrial/Lab furniture High 20+ years HENGNA uses 1.0mm cold-rolled steel. This is thicker than most competitors' lab cabinets. It provides:
No flexing when drawers are fully loaded
No racking when the cabinet is moved
Long-term durability in high-use environments
Resistance to damage from accidental impacts
The steel is cold-rolled, which means it is stronger and has better surface finish than hot-rolled steel.
Finishing Process
The finish on HENGNA cabinets is not just spray paint. It is a multi-stage process:
Degreasing: Removes oils from manufacturing
Rinsing: Multiple water rinses
Zinc phosphate coating: Provides corrosion resistance and paint adhesion
Second rinsing: Deionized water
Drying: Removes all moisture
Electrostatic powder application: Powder is electrically charged and sprayed onto the grounded metal
Baking: 180°C (356°F) cures the powder into a hard finish
This 11-stage process (simplified above) creates a finish that:
Will not peel or flake
Resists scratches
Withstands laboratory chemicals
Lasts the life of the cabinet
Chicago Diagnostic Lab Applications
Hospital Pathology Departments
Store patient blocks and slides for required retention periods. The interlock system prevents accidents in busy departments. Large capacity reduces the number of cabinets needed.Independent Diagnostic Laboratories
High-volume labs process thousands of cases monthly. Modular design lets you add capacity as volume grows. Mobile base option allows reconfiguration as equipment changes.Biobanks
Long-term specimen storage requires durable, secure cabinets. 1.0mm steel construction protects valuable research materials. Interlock system ensures safety during retrieval.Research Institutions
Multiple researchers share storage. Clear labeling and smooth drawers make it easy for everyone to use. Mix block and slide sections in one cabinet for complete case storage.Cancer Centers
Store biopsy blocks and slides together. Quick retrieval supports patient care and research. Steel construction protects specimens for decades.OEM/ODM Customization
HENGNA offers OEM and ODM services for Chicago institutions with specific requirements.
Customization Available Options Drawer Configuration Change number of drawers per section Cabinet Height Lower height for under-counter installation Width or Depth Custom dimensions available Locking Systems Key locks, master-keyed systems Electronic Locks Audit trail capable, RFID options Colors Match your lab's color scheme Label Holders Barcode holders, larger frames, engraved Special Coatings Antimicrobial additives Base Height Taller or shorter bases Minimum order quantities are flexible. Contact us with your requirements.
Assembly
The cabinet ships in sections. Assembly steps:
Place base on level floor
Set first section onto base
Stack second section onto first
Continue with third and fourth sections
Test all drawers
No tools needed for stacking. Two people should lift each section.
For mobile base: Install casters before stacking sections.
Maintenance
Minimal maintenance required:
Wipe with mild cleaner as needed
Clean up spills promptly
Check drawer slides annually
Apply light oil if slides seem dry
Do not use abrasive cleaners. Do not overload drawers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the block version and the slide version?
A: The block version has 5 drawers per section (20 total) and is designed for paraffin wax blocks. Each drawer has about 65mm of interior height, which accommodates standard block storage trays. The slide version has 9 drawers per section (36 total) and is designed for microscope slides. The drawers are slightly shallower but wider to accept slide trays. Both versions have the same external dimensions (H360 x W515 x D480 per section), so they can be mixed in the same stack. You could have, for example, two block sections and two slide sections in one cabinet.
Q: How does the interlocking safety system work between sections?
A: The interlock system works both within each section and between stacked sections. When you open a drawer in any section, a mechanical bar engages that prevents any other drawer in that same section from opening. At the same time, the interlock mechanism in the sections above and below also engages, preventing drawer opening throughout the entire cabinet. The system is entirely mechanical—no electronics, no magnets, no batteries. It engages automatically when any drawer is opened and releases only when that drawer is fully closed.
Q: Can I get this cabinet with locks for secure specimen storage?
A: Yes, locks are available as a custom option. You can order the cabinet with locks on all drawers, or only on specific sections. We offer keyed locks—you can have all locks keyed alike for convenience, or a master-keyed system where one master key opens all drawers but individual keys open only specific drawers. For biobanks and labs requiring higher security, we can also discuss electronic locking systems with audit trail capabilities. Please contact us with your security requirements, and we will provide pricing for the configuration you need.
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