The goal with this experiment was to challenge myself to design a table that could be manugactured from a single sheet of material. However, I also wanted the table's parts to fit within it's own footprint, thereby minimising waste and maximising manufacturing efficiency.
This is what I came up with
I also wanted to design the table such that assembly did not require glue or annoying fixings. The parts simply slid together, and with a bit of force would lock into place.
I created a 3D model and mocked up a prototype to the exact measurements. Everything slid together nicely at the correct angles and the table was relatively stable in 3 corners, but unstable on the unsupported corner (obviously - duh!).
The design needs a tweak or two, and after moving into a new design studio that's begging for a coffee table, I may whip up another prototype with the fourth corner supported.
Watch this space.