INTRO:

The LACK Shelving System enables the classic IKEA LACK side table to form unlimited combination of shelves with 3D printed joints.
It provides a choice of shelf that is flexible, cheap and easily accessible. 
This project is an entry to the IKEA Democratic Design Challenge.
If you like the project, please vote for me by clicking LIKE. Thanks :) 

APPROACH TO THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRATIC DESIGN:

FORM:

- The resulted shelf feels very open and allows maximum sunlight to travel through thanks to the minimalism of LACK table.
- The arrangement of shelf can be decided by individual users for their specific needs. 
- Installing the joints only require drills on one side of legs. No damage is done to the table surfaces.

FUNCTION:

- It provides large surface area and volume for storage with any layout such as stright, L-shape, U-shape and stepping.
- The size of framework structure allows storage of large and extra long objects. 
- The joints and extensions can be installed or replaced when the shelf is in place, without dismantling the whole shelf.

QUALITY:

- The shelf is incredibly rigid despite that it is formed by individual components. Refer to suspension testing photo for rigidity.
- The geometry of joints help the shelf to resist lateral load and bending moment. 
- The shelf can handle decent amount of weight as a result of short span between legs and thick elements. 

SUSTAINABILITY:

- The system is modular and flexible. It can be extented, reformed or reused anytime in the future.
- The printed parts are optimised to consume as little material as possible while maintaining strength.

LOW PRICE:

- The storage space created is very economic. The average price per volume or area is much lower than other shelves.
- A whole wall of shelf can be easily transported with small cars thanks to the compact packaging size of LACK table. Delivery cost is much lower for average customer. 

MAKING:

- Chose any rigid filament. Consider dimensional shrinkage if use high temperature filament such as ABS or PC, etc.
- Print the joints with decent amount of infill, more than 25%. 
- To quickly install a large number of tables, print the leg spinner and put it on a driver with 1/4"(6.35mm) hex square nut.
- Drill on legs only after the tables are assembled and put together in place. This method compensate for the inaccuracy and inconsistancy of leg placements.
- Drill the legs with 3mm or 4mm bits through the holes on joints.
- Install the foot/damper only on the bottom row of tables.

BOM:

- 10g(M5)x15-20mm Flat Head Screw
- 1/4"(6.35mm) Hex Square Nut

ATTRIBUTIONS:

- The 3D printers demostrated in the render is Josef Prusa i3 mk3 by Josef Prusa.