UK-based Fergal Coulter's latest project, 3D scanning and printing on inflated structures, uses multiple layers of hard silicone to create seamless, hexachiral structures on an inflated silicone balloon. A soft silicone material is sprayed onto an air-permeable mandrel which is then inflated and 3D scanned. Thee scans are used to extruded 3D printed forms on the inflated mandrel, using a much harder silicone, to form 'hexachiral honeycomb' structures which have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications. These structures, rather then using an external actuator, undergo shape transitions where a single stimulus such as heat or electrical current initiate the needed mechanical response. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/73830/3d-printing-on-inflatable/


Below is a photo of 3D printing on the inflated balloon: