Air Sketch

Air Sketch is a digital fabrication platform for designing and prototyping custom inflatable structures without the need for molds.By combining a desktop-scale heat-sealing printer with a parametric design interface, users can draw air chamber paths, preview their inflation behavior in real time, and generate G-code to directly fabricate with thermoplastic films such as TPU, PVC.
Compared to traditional ultrasonic welding methods which require costly aluminum molds and long lead times, Air Sketch enables rapid, low-cost, and highly customizable production of inflatable components. The process reduces both time and tooling cost by over 70%, making iterative design and experimentation accessible for creators, educators, and researchers.
With applications ranging from soft robotics and wearable technology to inflatable lighting, packaging, and artistic installations, Air Sketch opens new possibilities for sustainable and adaptive air-supported design.It also supports biodegradable or recycled film materials, aligning with emerging needs in circular and responsible innovation.

[Year]

2025

[Type]

Startup Project

[Designer]

                       Yuzhen Fu
UI, VI by Chengzin Zhao
       Mechanistic by Zev