Office Table - mAx | Wilkhahn

Bad Münder, September 2017. Folding table systems are particularly versatile pieces of furniture that are compact to stow away and easy to transport. Designer Andreas Störiko devised mAx for Wilkhahn. It’s a folding table system that sets benchmarks due to its aesthetic appeal and people-friendly handling approach. mAx ingeniously requires just one hand to set it up, stabilizes itself, and has integrated linkage options. Three table-foot sizes allow scalable table depths and table widths, permitting a whole host of design options. The tables can be placed in loosely arranged groups, or linked up to make rows, or arranged to form open-centered or closed conference configurations.

The tables are primarily destined for conference and seminar centers, rooms for group or project work, flexibly used workspaces or meeting areas, as well as conference rooms that can be partitioned off and used in multiple ways. The foldable table frame requires only one hand to set it up and comes with patented self-stabilization. The high-quality, die-cast aluminum table legs come in three sizes, enabling rectangular and round table top shapes as well as table depths of 45 cm to 90 cm.

Modular Coordination

The mAx range has single folding tables that offer plenty of legroom at the top by pushing the slender T-shaped bases to the side. It also has system tables with flush-mounted frames that can be linked up with connecting leaves. The modules offer space for different numbers of people, a variety of seating widths, and practical formats and shapes. The upshot is a whole host of settings, from loosely arranged groups to tables linked in rows or at angles to almost infinitely scalable conference table configurations which can be open-centered, horseshoe-shaped, or closed. The integrated glides can also make up for floors that aren’t entirely flat – even if lots of the tables are linked up.

The system tables can be joined together in almost any number of ways with rectangular leaves or panels to produce links at 60 or 90 degrees. The mounting lugs are pulled out of the stands and the self-centering hooks on the leaves are hung into them and locked into place. Five system tables, three rectangular and two 90° connecting leaves quickly produce a horseshoe-shaped table setting, ideal for presentations for instance. Each of the single tables is impressive on its own: because the table tops jut out over the stand, chairs can also be placed at the table ends.

Details

• Type of connection: the mounting lug on the system table’s stand is pulled out and hung into the hook on the connecting leaf and locked into place.
• Practical accessory: an opaque blind, which doesn’t have to be removed when the tables are stacked, serves as a modesty panel.
• A stacking trolley allows space-saving storage of the system tables and connecting leaves and makes them easy to transport.

Folding Mechanism

When pulling out the T-shaped base, a support arm automatically emerges from the leg and latches automatically into the recess underneath the tabletop. The support arm is niftily secured in place due to a guide rail that it locks with. The more the table is jolted, the more stable the connection becomes. And what’s more no wear and tear is caused because this is compensated for. It’s also child’s play to disassemble: a slight amount of pressure is applied to the support arm to push it back into the leg and to fold in the T-shaped base. The folding mechanism doesn’t just integrate the recess, but also the linkage component for the connecting leaves. This avoids the need for loose parts and any force is absorbed directly through the robust frame. And of course, it goes without saying that a sophisticated locking system prevents the frames from folding in or out unintentionally.

Finishes

Numerous tabletop materials, surfaces, and edges allow a huge variety in terms of function: from hard-wearing starter models with directly coated plywood to laminates to high-quality veneered tabletops. Depending on how often the tables are reassembled, as well as the facility management and design concept, there’s a selection of simple PP lipping, straight or bullnose (double) wood lipping with integrated impact-resilient profiles, or elegantly chamfered lipping. The mAx light range comes with lightweight tabletops, which is very practical, particularly if the table is reassembled frequently. The folding mechanism and T-shaped bases in die-cast aluminum are stable and robust. With its precise radii and coated, polished or ultra-polished surfaces the design conveys the appreciation shown to the people using the table. The accessories for the folding table system include modesty panels, table-table connectors, additive power-supply fittings, and four-wheeled trolleys.