Beautiful metal tables Metal coffee and coffee tables. From water pipes

Coffee tables have an amazing ability to either turn into a compositional center or completely dissolve in the living room interior. Fans of modern styles should pay attention to metal products, because this is the perfect way to achieve the desired atmosphere in the room.

original table hic a la scissors can be safely called the highlight of the interior in industrial style. In addition, its functionality is also able to surprise. It is easy to move it to the right place, and if necessary, you can change the height of the legs.

Modern style requires clean lines, so a lattice coffee table with a glass top is the best fit for a trendy interior. He is able to radically change even an ordinary living room in a classic style.

Chic and individuality are the main features of an interesting copper table. It will certainly become the centerpiece of elegant interior decorated in neutral tones.

Mirror and metal surfaces have turned the coffee table into a real jewelry box. On a fluffy carpet, it looks simply luxurious.

The dark metal coffee table boasts an amazing laser-etched top that creates a sense of depth in a light and airy room. In addition, the table goes well with the metal frames of the chairs.

Fans of multifunctional things will appreciate the table made of metal and glass. It is both a piece of furniture and original sculpture able to decorate any interior.

There is nothing better than beautiful legs. The original table with a glass top and copper legs combined with white furniture and light decor creates an interesting and trendy interior.

Unusual coffee table breaks the standard ideas about furniture. It's an interesting combination of a shiny metal top and lots of acrylic legs. Incredibly original piece of furniture.

A simple rectangular metal table is able to change the atmosphere of a modern interior in gray tones, especially if you play on the geometric contrasts of the elements.
However, metal is not the only material whose products can transform rooms. can also become interesting decoration living room.

A dining table with wrought iron legs can be a great addition to the dining room.

A metal table is not only beautiful and aesthetic, but also very durable, functional, and practical. In addition, metal products are not whimsical in care and retain their attractive appearance for a long time. appearance.

A metal table can be easily made by yourself. detailed instructions manufacturing will be described in this article.

Metal table options

The tabletop at such a table can be different - plastic, glass, wood or metal. In order to connect the parts to each other is used welding machine. The frame of the table can be made of straight metal welded to each other (for example, pipes), bent, welded metal, forged metal.

So, here are some options for tables and metal:

• Locksmith workbench - a metal table for processing and working with wood and others building materials(how to do locksmith workbench with your own hands, read in).

• Forged table.

• Side table made of metal.

• Coffee metal table.

Materials and tools

Materials:

• metal profile or rolled metal;
• primer for metal;
• paint for metal;
• brushes or rollers;
• chalk and a flat surface for a stencil;
• countertop;
• bars and glue for fixing the countertop.

Tools:

• welding machine;
• grinder with a metal brush (you can use a simple metal brush without a grinder);
• saw for metal;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• screws and bolts.

Making a wrought iron table

Furniture with wrought iron legs is always beautiful and spectacular. It is used as decorative ornament premises or garden plot. Bright coloring gives the furniture playfulness, and discreet black, white or metallic - business style, high cost and aesthetics.

Forging is the impact on hot metal with a hammer and anvil or the bending of cold metal with a hammer and fixtures welded to flat surface round pins.

Hot forging gives an incredible flight of fancy and can satisfy even the most daring ideas, because it is more accurate. cold forging looks less aesthetic.

In order to make forging, you need to have a special tool for bending metal rods. If such a tool is in your arsenal home master, then there will be no problems with forging. If you are far from this, but want to make a metal table with forged legs or elements, then it would be better to order metal forging from professionals.

Manufacturing steps

1. The metal is cleaned of rust and dirt with a steel brush. Then a stencil is made. Create bent legs you can do it yourself, if you do not use too intricate stencils. For this, any leaf tree is used. The drawing is done on a scale of 1:1.
2. We weld two studs (fasteners in the form of a threaded rod) at a distance of about 2-3 cm from each other. A metal profile or rolled metal is inserted between these studs. With the help of force and a hammer, the metal bends in the right places. In this case, the result of bending must be checked against the stencil. If this is not done, then it will not be possible to achieve symmetry of the legs.

Take to seat: in order to find out the dimensions of the metal that will be required for the manufacture of monograms, you can use an ordinary rope that does not stretch. Each turn is measured with a rope and its size is transferred to the metal

1. We collect all the metal parts according to the drawn stencil and cut off the excess. We weld the products first on one side, and then on the other. Welding must be done carefully so that welding build-ups do not form. metal brush clean up the entire structure.
2. We also carefully weld the finished forging elements to the bent metal. We clean everything with a brush again.
3. With a white primer for metal, we pass through all parts of the legs for the table. Light color will help not to miss a single millimeter when painting metal.
4. Painting is carried out with a roller or a narrow brush. Forged legs are most often painted in white, black, bronze, gold or silver.
5. The wooden tabletop is attached to the forged legs with screws. Holes are made in the table frame, which are slightly larger in diameter than the screws, then the table surface is fixed.

Editorial tip: to hide the place of attachment of the table top and table legs, you can use metal corners. To do this, small holes are made in the metal for the bolts. The corners are connected to the tabletop with self-tapping screws.

Fastening the legs to the table top depends entirely on what kind of legs are made under the table - their size, shape, number of forged elements and their location. If you take a glass tabletop, then it is attached with UV glue or special rubber suction cups. The metal tabletop is neatly welded with reverse side, cleaned, primed and painted.

A table with a stone top is suitable for outdoor installation, for example in, and indoors. It is better to use granite - it is more durable and wear-resistant than other stones (for example, marble often used for tables).

Table made of metal tubes

You will need:

• metal tubes: 3 pcs (diameter 18 mm, length - 73 cm); 3 pieces (diameter 18 mm, length - 38.5 cm) and metal corners - 3 pieces (section 30 x 30 mm, length - 40 cm).
• countertop. You can use a round surface made of chipboard, or MDF, with a thickness of 19 mm and a diameter of 95 or 96 cm.
• additionally you will need balls for legs with a diameter of 60 mm, screws (3.5 x 30 mm, 6 x 50 mm) and waterproof glue.

Manufacturing steps

1. A regular triangle with 60 degree angles is welded from metal corners. And we make the same triangle from tubes, 38.5 cm long.
2. Using a drill for metal, we make holes in the frame, with the help of which the frame will be attached to the countertop.
3. We bend metal tubes, 73 cm long, with a hammer and a vice to a length of 65 cm. The legs can not be bent, then their ends must be cut at an angle.
4. A metal triangular footboard is welded to the legs, approximately in the middle of the leg.
5. The top of the legs is welded to the triangular frame.
6. We weld metal balls to the ends of the legs.
7. The tabletop is cut out of chipboard or MDF. Finishing the edges with sandpaper or grinder.
8. The tabletop is attached to the legs with screws that are inserted into the holes that we drilled earlier in the metal frame.

Note: the countertop can be made of wood, glass, stone, metal. In this case, the methods of attachment will be different. Most easy way tabletop fastenings are glue, but also while working, it is not as reliable as screws, self-tapping screws and bolts.

Table decor ideas

You can decorate the tabletop of a finished metal table in the following ways:

• mosaic of various materials;

• glazing of a wooden tabletop.

The manufacturing process of hot forged products can be seen in the following video:

Furniture manufacturers delight and surprise us with a wide and constantly updated range of a wide variety of models. Furniture items are now made from various materials: plastic, various types of wood, metal, glass. Thanks to such a variety, everyone can choose a model according to their taste and wealth.

A special place in the setting and practical application tables in everyday life. Perhaps there is no room in the apartment where there would not be a table of any form and purpose. More often, perhaps a stool or chair can be used. In this article, we will take a closer look at metal tables, their advantages, disadvantages, interesting options for various interiors.

Advantages

Advantages of furniture items various kinds metal stem from the properties of the material of manufacture:

• Metal products are durable. The metal is very reliable, the item will be able to serve your family for more than one generation.
• Corrosion resistance, strength. Metal structures are very difficult to damage or even scratch. They are not sensitive to temperature changes, to chemicals.
• Aesthetic, beautiful appearance. The metal product looks very stylish and original. Metal tables fit perfectly into any interior and decorate any room: from the dining room to the garden gazebo.
• A wide range of models, variability of finishes and appearance. Metal is a very malleable material. Unlike wood, this material is also flexible, which allows you to create graceful shapes.

Flaws

Of course, it would be wrong to keep silent about some of the features of metal furniture, which can be attributed to disadvantages:

• Metal products are almost always quite heavy. This property will not be inconvenient in all cases. If the table has permanent place and the furniture stands on solid concrete floor, then the heavy weight will not hurt or interfere in any way. Heavy furniture can ruin wood flooring or parquet. It is also inconvenient to transport or move a heavy table around the apartment.
• Sharp corners and surfaces. This property depends on the product model. But often models can have sharp edges or even pointed ends of the legs. It is difficult to refuse such a model if you like it and fit perfectly into the interior. However, you need to be careful when moving and installing such a table. Sharp feet can scratch the floor, while hard sharp corners and other protrusions can damage nearby furniture.

When moving metal furniture with sharp protruding corners, cover dangerous protrusions in advance with overlays made of thick fabric or pieces of rubber.

• Vulnerability to rust. With proper care and operation under normal conditions, this problem practically does not occur. Rather, it concerns metal tables in outdoor pavilions and garden plots. Wipe surfaces more thoroughly after getting wet due to rain. It is advisable to treat metal parts with anti-corrosion protective compounds.

Models and arrangement in the interior

In the kitchen

The metal table in the appropriate design fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen. Tables are especially popular in kitchens. on round chrome legs. This design is very stable and solid. The tabletop can be made of wood, plastic or metal.

Tables with metal legs and a table top look especially stylish and elegant. made of tough durable glass. Under each leg there is a non-slip pad that enhances the stability of the entire structure.

Tables look beautiful and original in full metal frame and with metal top. Although this model is not suitable for every kitchen or dining room. Some inconvenience may be that metal surface countertops are cold enough. But this problem can be solved by using napkins or a tablecloth while eating at the table. The undeniable advantage of a metal countertop is its strength, resistance to damage.

The surface is easy to clean from dirt. This option is very practical for the kitchen or dining room, where various cutlery and food products can come into contact with the table surface.

In the office

A metal desk is usually of a simple form. It has thin straight or crossed legs and a metal tabletop. These tables are not very suitable for home office. Rather, their strict and simple look will be appropriate. for business office environment. There are models of computer metal tables.

In style and appearance, they are very similar to desks. The style is just as strict, with a minimum of details. Suitable for the workplace, when there are a minimum of items on the table, only the most necessary for work.

It is unlikely that such a table would be appropriate in a nursery or teenage room. Metal desktops fit well with high-tech style options.

Decorative metal tables

In the living room or bedroom, a decorative elegant table made of metal or with metal elements would be quite appropriate. Due to the flexibility and pliability of the material, the shape of the product can be very diverse. Tables on wrought iron legs look especially interesting and elegant.

The tabletop of such decorative or coffee tables can also be made of glass. depending on the interior and general design premises, you can choose an interesting and unusual option for table top. For example, glass can be more than just transparent. Models with frosted or colored glass tops are unique and aesthetically pleasing. The glass surface can be made in the form of a colored mosaic or pattern.

Garden furniture and gazebos

If there is a plot with a garden or a gazebo near the house, then metal furniture will ideal option for their arrangement. We mentioned above the qualities and advantages of metal, which allow the use of products made from it in open spaces. Undoubtedly, this strength, solidity, structural stability.

For the arrangement of the garden plot, metal has an undeniable advantage over wood. Plastic is more durable than wooden crafts, but it is excessively light, which is very inconvenient outdoors. A metal table will have a much more stable base anyway.

A large variability in the external design of the models will allow you to choose the appropriate design of the metal table. Such a table will be convenient to use. Can become a real decoration of your landscape design.

Space Saving Models

As with furniture models made of other materials, among metal tables you can also choose compact options that save free space in the room. Such an option, for example, is a sliding metal table or a metal sliding table. When folded, it takes up very little space.

When it becomes necessary to use a large table surface, you just need to gently push the tabletop and fix it in a new position.

Models of corner metal tables have a very neat look and compact dimensions. As the name implies, such models are installed in the corners of the room, which are often free and not used practically enough. Models of such tables can be multi-tiered, that is, have two or more tabletops one above the other.

The metal butterfly table is very similar to the classic one. wooden table of such a type. Such a model is made from a lightweight profile, since frequent manipulation of the tabletop doors is expected during use. When folded, this table looks like narrow pedestal. If necessary, one sash of the tabletop can be expanded. To use the maximum surface of the table, both halves of the tabletop are laid out.

Collapsible tables very convenient to use. The principle of use is similar to the butterfly table, but usually collapsible metal models more compact and tidy.

How to do it yourself?

You can show a bit of imagination and creativity and make a simple decorative table on metal legs with your own hands. Simple and affordable for self-manufacturing an option would be a table on round chrome legs with a glass top.

To make a table you will need:

• sheet of glass;
• chrome straight legs;
• suction cups for attaching legs to the tabletop;
• wood glue;
• glass cutter (preferably with a diamond head);
• hand protection gloves;
• pliers with rubber pads.

It is advisable to purchase strained glass, it is very durable. You can order a glass sheet of the shape you need or cut out the contours yourself.

To cut glass, place it on a flat surface. Mark the contours for trimming with a pencil or marker. Using a glass cutter, carefully cut along the contour, controlling the pressure on the glass cutter rod. After finishing the outline of the glass sheet, carefully break off the excess sections of glass using pliers with rubber pads.

If you do not have experience in glass cutting, do not take up curly cutting. It is better to try cutting glass in straight lines, that is, to create a rectangular or square shape.

The base of our table will consist of four metal legs. On the underside of the glass sheet, mark the attachment points for the legs. They should be symmetrical and at the same distance from the corners. The wider, closer to the corners of the glass sheet, the legs are located, the more stable the structure will be. Spread the metal legs on the floor. Carefully place the glass on the legs, adjust their placement according to the marks on the back (bottom) side of the glass sheet.

Remove the glass and stick suction cups on the upper ends of the legs. Put wood glue in the center of the suction cups. Use a small amount of glue. Gently spread a thin layer of glue in the center of the suction cup so that its diameter is about one and a half centimeters. Glue will provide a more reliable connection of the tabletop canvas with the legs. Take the prepared glass, lower it strictly vertically on the surface of the legs.

Try to make the canvas touch the adhesive surface at the same time at all four points. With a slight gentle pressure on the glass sheet, fix its position. After the glue dries and the glass top is firmly fixed, your table is ready for use.

You can do everything with your own hands, even a metal table. After all, metal is a hot design trend, all its shades are welcome: from warm gold, brass and copper to cold chrome and nickel. Metal will add warmth and brilliance, wealth and light to the space of the home. Designer table will decorate any modern interior, A sturdy table metal is useful for plumbing or welding.

Top 7 Metal Desk Ideas

Steel outdoor furniture has become popular since the 20s. Around 1925, Marcel Breuer, a designer and architect, began working with tubular steel, impressed by its light weight and strength.

Returning trends are centuries old - medieval nobles loved wrought iron tables in their homes long before us. Exist Various types metal that can be used in the manufacture of tables, such as iron, aluminum and stainless steel. Today there are a thousand ways to make metal furniture:

• Designs can be very concise. If you make a stable round coffee table with 3 legs, it will take its rightful place in the house. To create such a table with your own hands, you will need steel hoops, three steel pipes.

• With your own hands, you can create furniture in retro style using wood, which will return to those old days when everything seemed to be made for centuries.
• Modern table, welded from metal sheets, looks elegant and monolithic at the same time.

• From metal pipes square section with your own hands is easy to make a table for an interior in a minimalist style.
• If light metal the design is complemented by glass elements, the furniture may seem weightless.

• The shape of the table, made by hand, through the use of 3 wooden planks, artfully carved from a single stump, can be so complex that it is difficult to repeat. Steel legs in this product are fixed with nuts and bolts.
• Those who are tired of traditional look furniture, they can try to occupy themselves with the creation of structures, parts of which are held together with thin steel cables. In the Tensegrity structure, no element experiences a bending moment.

Original and easy manufacturing methods

Sarah Melloni's idea

Aluminum structures, designed by Sarah Melloni, looks like an easy folded sheets paper. The designer called her collection "Simple Things". Furniture can be made by hand without any scraps, it does not require additional parts for assembly. The objects are made from 2.5 mm aluminum sheets, each of which is folded 4 times. White powder coating protects the surface from fingerprints, scratches.

From water pipes

Various combinations interesting materials enable the creation unique design. For example, you can make a table with legs from water pipes.

A similar table with a top made of quality wood or made of glass has not only an exclusive look, but also that enviable strength that guarantees it long life. Such production of furniture with your own hands, using recycled materials, is a sign of skill, ingenuity.

• First, taking into account all individual needs, you need to make drawings.
• Then, before buying pipes, materials for countertops, it is worth calculating the dimensions and number of components.
• In the nearest plumbing store you need to buy everything the right details: pipes, fittings and couplings.
• If you paint the pipes in a noble black color, it will seem that the table was created a century ago. You can use spray paint designed for painting metals. It is sold in auto and construction stores.
• wooden table top processed, varnished in several layers. By applying wood stain, you can give it any shade.

• A do-it-yourself table can be of any size, it can be made for dining, writing or coffee.

Welded construction

Whether a person is an amateur or a professional welder, he will definitely need a reliable welding table.

The big welding table has one important characteristic. His work surface must be made of thick sheets of metal that will not deform under the influence high temperature, load or cutting. A do-it-yourself table should be of the appropriate height, convenient for a particular master. Since during its production are carried out welding work then safety precautions must be observed. The most common type of welding is electric, welders may face hazards such as fire, explosion, and injury. electric shock, eye damage, etc. You need to make sure that all equipment is safe and that the person is properly protected with gloves, goggles and a helmet.

Step 1

The first step in preparing for work should be the acquisition necessary equipment which will guarantee an efficient process and quality of work. Then you need to make 11 frame elements and purchase steel plates that are suitable for harsh operating conditions. The drawings of the table suggest that the approach will be ergonomic, the furniture is created taking into account the physical data and habits of the master to whom it is intended.

Step 2

In accordance with the intended dimensions, the process of cutting all parts is carried out. own dimensions welding table are completely subjective, but for reference purposes, you can focus on those given below:

• 4 legs cut from 2.5 cm square tubing, each 70-75 cm long.
• 7 pieces cut from 2.5 cm square pipes, each 75-80 cm long.
• 3 steel plates 90 cm long and 30 cm wide.

To prevent the metal from rusting over time, it must be coated with one of the special compounds offered in hardware stores.

Step 3

Full welding of the upper part of the frame is carried out. Make sure the frame is on a level surface. Important to remember! Too much welding heat can warp the metal.

Step 4

Welds must be tried to be made strong, this is what guarantees the stability of the structure - everything rests on the integrity of the structure produced. After the parts are produced, the parts are welded together. The structure is ready.

Step 5

Thick metal plates that will play the role of countertops are welded last.

According to this principle, using welding, you can make a table of any shape and for any purpose with your own hands.

The times when furniture was made only from natural wood or its cheap counterparts, are long gone. Today, the market is literally overflowing with various interior items made from modern and durable materials. Such products include durable and wear-resistant metal tables.

Advantages and disadvantages

Metal tables are very popular these days. Not so long ago, such furniture seemed to be something innovative in the interior, but today it is hardly possible to surprise anyone with such a product. To understand whether such furniture suits you or not, you need to familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.

TO positive qualities metal tables include:

• Their durability. Over time, such furniture does not deform, does not break and does not lose its attractive appearance. Such a thing can serve for decades without causing any trouble to its owners;

• Most modern metal structures treated with special anti-corrosion compounds. Thanks to this, metal tables are not prone to rust and other similar defects;
• It should be noted Beautiful design metal tables. Such interior items look very attractive and stylish. Moreover, almost all types of metals are easy to process, so they can be painted in any color;
• Modern manufacturers produce a lot of beautiful and reliable metal models of tables for every taste and color. Such furniture is rarely expensive, so it will be possible to pick up a buyer with any budget;

• Metal is often combined with other materials. It can be natural wood, MDF or glass. The result is very beautiful and thoughtful designs that fit perfectly not only in modern, but also in some classical ensembles;
• Today in stores you can find collapsible and folding metal models that are great for small spaces. When folded, they seem compact, and when unfolded - large and roomy;
• It is easy to find a suitable chair for such tables.

Despite so many benefits, metal tables also have a number of disadvantages, the importance of which everyone judges in their own way:

• Metal furniture, as a rule, has an impressive weight. This makes it not the most mobile. In the process of its movement, you can accidentally damage the floor finish;
• Many metal structures have angular details. It can be rough edges or pointed legs.

In the use and movement of such furniture, you should be as careful as possible, otherwise you will not only harm flooring but you can injure yourself.

• By itself, the metal always remains cold, so touching it can be unpleasant.

Models

Stylish and reliable metal table today can be chosen for any room and interior. Let's get acquainted with the list of the most popular and sought-after designs of this furniture.

Kitchen

A table made of this reliable and durable material will look great in the kitchen. IN Lately especially popular are models with chrome-plated pipe legs and round tabletops. Such options are stable and convenient to use. The tabletop in them can be made of both metal and wood, MDF, chipboard, plastic or glass.

Some consumers prefer metal tables with a top made of a similar material. If you decide to purchase such a model, be sure to keep in mind that it will not look harmonious in all interiors. It is better to place these items in modern, industrial and minimalist environments.

In the office

Written metal tables most often have uncomplicated forms. As a rule, they have thin and straight or crossing legs. For such situations, wooden and iron countertops are suitable. These interesting and original models look, of course, spectacular and fresh, but are more suitable for the office than for the home office.

Modern manufacturers offer the widest choice computer tables from metal. They are in many ways similar to classic writing designs, but have additional shelves and compartments for office equipment and PC components.

For laptops, more compact versions are available with small, neat metal worktops. They can be supported on supports or attached to the wall (console models).

Decorative

Decorate the interior of the living room or bedroom with an elegant and sophisticated coffee table with intricate patterns and weaves of material. The metal is quite flexible, so the shape of decorative products can be absolutely any.

Designs on forged legs look especially expensive and elegant in the interior. These products are not cheap, but they look amazing. The tabletop in these models can be made of glass or natural wood.

Garden

metal furniture is an excellent solution for furnishing personal plot and garden. Such structures are not afraid of harsh weather conditions or sudden gusts of wind. However, for such situations, it is recommended to buy models treated with anti-corrosion agents, otherwise the table will acquire ugly red spots in the first year.

transformers

Today, sliding, sliding and collapsible designs are insanely popular. Such options in the assembled state take up very little space. But if you expand them, then you will see a quite spacious and comfortable table, at which at least 4-5 people can comfortably sit.

IN similar models there is a thoughtful basis that allows you to transform furniture at any convenient time.

There are several of the most popular transformer table mechanisms:

• "book";
• "butterfly";

book

butterfly

• coupe;
• modular options.

Such frames are often equipped not only dining tables for the kitchen, but coffee tables, which are most often located in the living room.

It is worth noting that the metal table can be made by hand. For example, many owners make convenient metalwork tables of the right sizes for their workshop.

coupe

modular

Constructions

All metal tables differ not only in their design, but also in construction. Let us consider in more detail the most common options that are most often chosen by modern buyers.

With metal top

Such furniture looks attractive and stylish, but only under the condition of competent execution. Such structures have increased strength only if they have a strong metal frame. If this part is made of other, less reliable materials, then it may wear out over time and even require replacement.

There are the following types of tables with a metal top:

• oval;
• round;

• square;
• rectangular;
• triangular;
• curly (in the form of flowers, butterflies or abstract forms).

With metal frame

Such designs are the most reliable and durable. The main feature of such bases is that they can change the countertop at any time if damage or defects appear on it. Most often, the following types of countertops are placed on the metal frame:

• Wooden. Such models look rich, but not catchy. They can be placed in a loft-style interior. If the tabletop is made of solid rock, then such a table will find its place in the classic ensemble;

• Plastic. These options are the cheapest. Plastic is not so scary to spoil or stain. It is also worth saying that given material easy to process, therefore presented today in the most different shades, from classic to colorful;
• Glass. Tabletops on a metal frame made of glass look really stylish and beautiful. Such furniture will look great in modern style high tech;

plastic

glass

• Stone. Such structures are characterized by impressive weight and high price. However, the noble and stately appearance of such furniture will not leave anyone indifferent;
• Metal. Such designs can also look attractive, but sitting behind a cold metal countertop may not be very comfortable. As a rule, such models are covered with textile tablecloths.

stone

metal

With iron inserts

Tables with such additions can be any. It all depends on the idea of ​​the master.

Metal inserts often play a decorative or functional role (profiles and guides) in robust design table.

How to choose?

Metal tables today are represented by a huge assortment. Choosing the right model can be difficult because wide choice. In search of the ideal product, you should rely on the following criteria.