Mx Table - foldable multipurpose table
This challenging project gathers modern furniture and circular economy. It is the first element of a furniture set aiming to providing solutions for reduced living spaces through multifunctional and 100% sustainable furniture. Mx Table is a dinning table and a coffee table in one. Just turn the the legs and voilà!.
Assignment
I helped the client to materialise his predefined Mx-like shape idea under certain constraints:
- produced 100% from recycled plastic,
- 100% recyclable,
- easy to assemble-disassemble,
- suitable for both indoors and outdoors, and
- have a neat look without compromising robustness and manufacturing costs.
The result is a fashionable-looking table, made from 100% traceable recycled PP and utterly recyclable. It combines modern edgy corners and straight lines with round elements that provide strength and harmony. Thanks to rotational moulding technology, pieces are manufactured in 3D volume meaning strong structure with seamless surfaces, to match interior design trends.
Mx Table can be found in different colours, since recycled plastic comes, basically, from a mix of waste resources. Therefore, each table presents slight colour shades that make them unique.
Features
Made of recycled PP, Mx Table can be used both indoors and outdoors, be that in a living room or in a terrace, garden...It is water resistant, easy to clean, and can cope with temperature variations, UV, etc.
We tried to find the simplest DIY assembly which would, likewise, allow an easy disassembly for transportation. It basically consists of four legs, 4 shafts or pins, and a board. They all are whole pieces, meaning that there are no edges or seams.
Basic front and side orthographic views for both positions.
Development
We analysed different approaches for effective and easy assembly through 3D-printed prototypes and 3D modelling. In the end, we opted for rotomolding as a means to obtain the main components (legs and board) as single hollowed pieces to reduce material and weight while adding mechanical resistance.
Some materials we considered where PET, HDPE, and PP. We chose this latter siince it is largely avalible, easy to recycle, and fits rotomolding process.
Detail of the finishing for an anthracite grey board. The colour of each table will be slightly different and even include streaks of different colours owing to the mix of PP powder. This makes each Mx Table unique, and corroborates the circular source of the plastic.
Resume
The project has been carried out with a Design Thinking approach, in close collaboration with the client and the manufacturers. It tackles:
- 3D modelling (Fusion 360 and SolidWorks),
- workshop prototyping, mock-ups and 3D printed prototypes,
- CAE for simulation of stress and wear, and for material optimisation,
- visuals (Blender).
Throughout the entire project, I also provided assessment and support regarding manufacturing process, service providers, and pre-launching, and gave advice for IP protection.
