Dissection trays with wax made of plastic are less common than those made of galvanized iron (GI sheet). It’s possible you might find some specialty options, but here’s a breakdown considering both the ideal features and potential limitations:

Features:

• Material: Plastic construction offers a lightweight and potentially more affordable option compared to GI sheet.
• Wax Base: A thin layer of wax covers the bottom of the tray, similar to GI sheet trays. This wax helps to secure specimens during dissection procedures.
• Size: 12.5″ x 9″ x 2.5″ (approximately 31.75 cm x 22.86 cm x 6.35 cm). This is a compact size suitable for dissections of smaller specimens.

Functionalities:

• Holding Specimens: The tray provides a stable platform for holding small to medium-sized specimens during dissection procedures.
• Securing Specimens with Wax: The wax base allows for pinning or embedding specimens for better stability and manipulation during dissection. This functionality depends on the quality of the wax and its ability to adhere to the plastic.
• Containing Dissection Materials: It can hold dissection instruments, fluids, and other materials needed for dissections.
• Collecting Dissection Waste: The tray can be used to collect waste tissues or fluids generated during dissection.

Applications :

• Dissections in Biology Labs: Possibly suitable for dissections of smaller plant and animal specimens in classrooms and laboratories, depending on the wax quality and adherence.
• Student Use: A potentially convenient option for student use in biology labs, considering the lightweight design and affordability (if available).

Advantages :

• Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry and maneuver during dissections, especially compared to GI sheet trays.
• Potentially Cost-Effective: Plastic could be a more affordable option than GI sheet, but confirmation depends on availability and pricing.

Considerations:

• Limited Availability: Dissecting trays with wax made of plastic might be less common and harder to find compared to GI sheet options.
• Durability: Plastic trays, especially with a wax layer, might have lower durability compared to GI sheet trays, particularly with repeated use.
• Wax Adhesion: A critical factor for functionality. If the wax doesn’t adhere well to the plastic, securing specimens with pins might be difficult.
• Size Limitations: The smaller size might not be suitable for dissecting larger specimens.

Overall:

While the concept of a dissecting tray with wax made of plastic has potential benefits like lightweight design and affordability, its availability and functionality might be limited.