Each student can use different technics to make a prototype of a technical textile application For this assignment you will require to build up your tools (container for molding, vacuum bag set up, frames, matrix, recipients) and process for your workflow.You can use any machine of the fab lab, laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC milling or make it manually. Tip: Give special importance to 3D dimensional geometries you are making and the technique you are using to create them.

it was during the project for the class Open source class Hardware- from fibers to fabric, for which I used textile hybridization technic with latex and string moulded around a balloon inflated with air that I had the idea of making the balloon mould.

By creating the original balloon moulds and then inflating them and applying the textile hybridization technic.

The Manufacturing Process

on different materials:

• Cardboard
• wood
• acrilyc

• latex does not adhere to acrylic compared to cardboard and MDF.
• On cardboard, some adhesion to the material is felt but light
• On the MDF, the adhesion is more important and pieces of wood stick to the latex

I designed on illustrator a holding system for the mould in acrilyc. With 4 hooks with dimensions adapted to the container.

I folllow this online process documentation

mix the dye with latex (the amount of dye required is minimal). Latex dries relatively quickly in the open air.

the coagulant will cause the rubber to gel in a thin sheet around the forms. A commonly used coagulant solution is a mixture of water, a calcium-based salt, soap, and talc powder. The salt is the actual coagulant; the soap helps the latex spread in an even film, and the talc helps ease the removal of the rubber from the forms in a later step.

Residues and air bubbles are visible on the surface

the amount of latex was not sufficient on this part

by passing it underwater

the drying time is about 30 minutes for a latex thickness like this.

to unmould the latex balloon, the pressure of a water jet allowed the latex to peel off.

Unfortunately, the clean slices on the sides did not allow enough latex to adhere and these parts were torn.

Residues and bubbles observed before marked the surface with irregularities.