how to design and manufacture polymeric shells to be inflated later

[andradesilva]

Hi,

I would like to design and manufacture a polymeric shell to be inflated. What would be the design considerations and how (by which method) can the shell be manufatured, as to be inflated later?

I thank you in advance,

Best regards,
AndradeSilva

 

[the_gaffer]

Andrade ... I am a ball engineer and am sure I can assist in some way. Not knowing your application, size, air retention requirements it is a shot in the dark. A simple solution is rotomolded PVC (like the light weight balls you can find at Walmart in the toy area). They are cheap and easy to make. You can also dip latex (like a high-end soccer bladder) or for better air retention you can cured NR / Butyl as are used in a variety of sports balls.

 

[btrueblood]

A lot of inflatables (toys, rafts) get made from edge-welded urethane- or vinyl-coated fabrics, or sheet vinyl.

 

[3DDave]

They can also be rotational molded or blow molded.

As to inflation?

https://youtu.be/mH712PaHlg8?t=205