Qual é o melhor tipo de mesa dobrável de plástico?

Entenda a diferença entre Mesas ABS e Mesas Moldadas por Sopro

If you’re looking for the best folding table, how can you decide whether to purchase inexpensive plastic folding tables (blow-molded) or invest in more expensive Mesas de plástico ABS? The answer lies in learning how these different construction methods affect the overall durability of both types of plastic tables.

In fact, how folding tables are made can be just as important as other considerations, all of which are covered in our Ultimate Folding Tables Buying Guide. 

Let’s talk about how the best plastic tables are built—and which plastic folding table types are built to last.

Blow-Molded Plastic vs. ABS Plastic

Blow molding is the process of shaping plastic. Hot plastic is placed into a mold and injected with pressurized air, making the plastic form to the different pieces of the mold. The hardened plastic is hollow inside. This same process is used to make single-use plastic water bottles. 

In contrast, ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is crafted by bonding layers of vacuum-formed sheets of ABS plastic over a wood or honeycomb framework. The internal framework gives the plastic table extra strength and durability not present in a lighter blow-molded table. 

A Closer Look at Blow-Molded Plastic Tables

Blow-molded tables have a hollow core and they are supported by steel tubing along each side. The molding process often creates some chipping or peeling on the table’s surface and its corners. Some blow-molded collapsible tables are available as fold-in-half tables which makes them more portable and easier to store.

The hollow core makes blow-molded plastic tables lightweight and easy to lift, move, set up, and take down. Blow-molded plastic folding tables are often inexpensive and easily found on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Wayfair.

Anatomia das Mesas Moldadas por Sopro

Recomendações para mesas moldadas por sopro

The best use for blow-molded tables is periodic and short-term indoor and outdoor events such as BBQs, tailgates, and receptions.

Blow-molded tables are not recommended for long-term use and they often have a short lifespan. The tables will likely need to be replaced every few years. Don’t expect to get hundreds of uses out of a blow-molded plastic folding table. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas or venues with heavy room turnover.

A Closer Look at ABS Plastic Folding Tables

An ABS plastic folding table is manufactured using vacuum-formed sheets of ABS plastic that are bonded together over a wood framework with a strong outside edge.

In an ABS table, the hard-plastic top is resistant to heat and scratching. The reinforced frame and core of ABS tables protect them from bending, even under heavy loads. In fact, MityLite ABS tables can support up to 1,000 pounds (while blow-molded tables of a similar size tend to support around 250 to 500 pounds).

As mesas ABS são mais pesadas do que as mesas moldadas por sopro, mas a maioria ainda é leve o suficiente para ser movida e armazenada com facilidade - especialmente se você tiver o carrinho certo.

ABS tables last longer, they are more durable than blow-molded tables, and the majority have strong warranties. For example, MityLite ABS tables come with a limited 15-year warranty.

Anatomia de uma mesa ABS

Recomendações para tabelas ABS

Como as mesas ABS são muito duráveis, elas resistem bem em áreas de tráfego intenso e situações de uso intenso.

Se sua instalação exige muitos móveis e você realiza muitos eventos, opte pelo ABS. Valerá a pena o investimento. E provavelmente você acabará economizando dinheiro com o tempo porque as mesas precisarão ser substituídas com menos frequência.

What’s the Best Collapsible Folding Table?

A resposta a essa pergunta depende de como você usará as tabelas. O importante é ser um comprador educado.

Blow-molded tables are less expensive, lightweight tables that are a good fit for short-term use. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas, and they need to be replaced every few years.

ABS tables are extremely durable and last more than 10 years. They are a great fit for heavy use in high-traffic areas, and the right cart makes it easy to set up and take them down.

Shop MityLite’s selection of ABS folding tables in various shapes, heights, and leg styles.