mAx

Minimal handling – maximum benefit

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 boasts first class design, ingeniously requires just one hand to set it up, stabilises 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-centred or closed conference configurations. mAx quite literally maxes out all the options.

For flexible meeting areas, versatile conference and seminar environments, rooms for project or group work, co-working spaces or multipurpose restaurants and canteens, three factors play a key role in settings where flexible usage is the order of the day. The table is very easy to handle, which has an impact on facility management costs. The versatility of the system makes it fit for the purpose and the quality of the design symbolises the appreciation of the people and processes involved.

One-handed set up, self-stabilising and integrated linkage options
Designer Andreas Störiko came up with an ingenious folding mechanism for mAx which isn’t just operated with just one hand, but also stabilises itself too. When pulling out the T-shaped base, a support arm automatically emerges from the leg and latches automatically into the recess underneath the table top. 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.

A versatile system and modular coordination
The mAx range has single folding tables that offer plenty of leg room at the top by pushing the slender T-shaped bases to the side. It also has system tables with flush-mounted frames which 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-centred, horseshoe-shaped or closed. The tables are primarily destined for conference and seminar centres, 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 a multiple of ways. The integrated glides can also make up for floors that aren’t entirely flat – even if lots of the tables are linked up.

Design options in exceptional quality
Numerous table top materials, surfaces and edges allow a huge variety in terms of function: from hard-wearing starter models with direct coated plywood to laminates to high quality veneered table tops. 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 table tops, which is very practical, particularly if the table is reassembled frequently. The folding mechanism and T-shaped bases in die-cast aluminium 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.