Compare Mitylite Reveal Tables with popular aluminum tables on the market
Before MityLite launched the Reveal Linenless Table product line, we wanted to ensure the tables would stand up to the durability standards we’re known for. Because the main feature of a linenless table is an attractive surface that doesn’t require linens, it is a challenge to ensure the tabletop is resilient as well as beautiful and stylish. So, we put our designs to the test.
We started with common customer concerns with other linenless tables on the market, particularly aluminum tabletops. Of particular concern with some tables from other brands is the damage caused by environmental stress such as exposure to heat and cold. Having a table surface that is scratch-resistant is also an issue. In fact, many tables on the market are only good for one to two years before the surfaces become too scratched to use.
To combat these common problems, MityLite designed Reveal tables with a high-pressure, commercial-grade laminate surface. In order to ensure our laminate surface would stand up to both ambient and direct heat and cold as well as scratching, the Research & Development team conducted a series of product tests. The testing went beyond the basic BIFMA standard testing guidelines and considerations for normal wear and tear.
Here you can read about the 3 tests that were conducted on Reveal Tables as well as the results.
- Environmental Test
- Direct Heat Test
- Abrasion Comparison Test
Environmental Test
MityLite tested how Reveal tables hold up to ambient heat as well as cold and humidity. Our testing chamber cycles through temperature extremes found in harsh climates around the world. The cycle goes from 20ºF (0% RH) to 120ºF (85% RH).
After one year of extreme cycle testing, Reveal Tabletops were examined extensively, and no discernible negative effects were discovered on the surface.
Direct Heat Test
The direct head test uses chafer fuel placed directly on the Reveal laminate surface for a continuous 4 hours.
After the 4-hour time had elapsed, the surface showed no change from how it looked before the test started. Therefore, customers can safely heat their chafers on a Reveal table surface without concerns.
Abrasion Comparison Test
The final test was an abrasion or Scratch test. For this test, the Research & Development Team used a 20-pound fixed weight on a chafer applied using an air piston. The surface was put through a minimum of 300 cycles.
We decided to do a comparison test to examine the durability of our Reveal Tables when compared to a popular aluminum table on the market made by Swirl.
Reveal Tables versus Swirl Aluminum Tables
Swirl Aluminum Tables have a clear or tinted coating applied to the aluminum surface. During the Scratch test, the aluminum surface started showing scratches within 100 cycles. By 300 cycles, there were deep grooves and piles of residue on the surface. The chafer’s legs quickly etched through all the protective coating on the surface and began scratching the aluminum.
By comparison, the Reveal laminate showed no damage on the surface after 600 cycles, and only showed some black marks on the surface. In fact, the laminate is so durable it “sanded off” metal from the chafer which is what left the marks behind. However, these marks were easily wiped off using a mild cleaning solution.
From this comparison test, it was clear that the Reveal commercial-grade laminate surface outperformed the Swirl aluminum surface.
The testing was successful in accessing how Reveal Tables will stand up against real-world scenarios and normal wear and tear. We feel confident that these tables meet the MityLite standard for durable tables.
