BlowFab: Rapid Prototyping for Rigid and Reusable Objects using Inflation of Laser-cut Surfaces
summary
Combines laser cutting and blow molding to make hard, reusable inflatable parts from stacked PET + Kapton film + masking tape sheets that fuse when heated; 1 mm and 2 mm parts sustain about 1,200 N and 2,500 N respectively. Heating at 120 °C for ~3 minutes yields parts reusable ~20 cycles before wrinkling; higher temps degrade surfaces. Bending uses incision patterns (12 cuts produces ~70°), a simulator auto-generates patterns, and a 110 cm piece assembles from 60 cm seats.
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chapters (11)
- 0:00Introduction to BlowFab
- 1:17How BlowFab works
- 3:32Creating process step-by-step
- 6:50Heating and inflation techniques
- 9:03Bending mechanisms explained
- 11:25Vertical bending with materials
- 13:14Applications and portability
- 14:31Accuracy and material limitations
- 15:54Reusability and strength tests
- 16:37Future improvements and plans
- 17:47Q&A session