Printflatables is a design and fabrication system for human-scale, functional and dynamic inflatable objects. The user begins with specifying an intended 3D model which is decomposed to two dimensional fabrication geometry. This forms the input for a numerically controlled contact iron that seals layers of thermoplastic fabric.
In this project, we showcase the system design in detail, the pneumatic primitives that this technique enables and merits of being able to make large, functional and dynamic pneumatic artifacts. We demonstrate the design output through multiple objects which could motivate fabrication of inflatable media and pressure-based interfaces.