Hello! We are the CNC HSCM (Heat Sealing and Cutting Machine) Team from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. We have created a large scale CNC machine for creating experimental inflatable structures. We developed a method for sealing our inflatables that we would like to share. Please check out our Patreon page to check out some of the awesome things we do: https://www.patreon.com/hscm

This is a method of sealing inflatables demonstrated on a simple bag. This closing system can be applied to a large variety of inflatables. The design is based on the patent for self sealing Mylar foil balloons. "Self-sealing valve, a self-sealing, non-latex balloon and a method for producing such a balloon EP 0356013 A2"

Materials to make the self sealing inflatable you will need:

Plastic sheeting (PET is used in this example)

Plastic tubing (of the same type of plastic as the sheeting)

Trace Paper or Wax Paper (any paper will work, but these are recommended)

Tools

Exacto (preferred cutting utensil)

Impulse sealer

Step 1: Cutting Out the Shape

The inflatable can come in any shape, but for this demonstration, a simple bag shape is used.

The most important aspect of this is to have the nozzle cut out of the shape which will seal the tube.

Step 2: Sealing

For this step, seal all edges except the valve end where the tube will be placed in.

Step 3: Preparing the Tube

Before sealing the tube, take your paper and cut it to the width of the tube so it can slide in with ease, but fill all of the tube. If it is too tight it will be difficult to remove later.

Once the paper is cut, place it into the tube.