Glossary of custom inflatable structures: constant air, sealed air, PVC, denier, dye sublimation, M1, B1, AEAI RF1, EN 13501-1, ballast, all explained.
Guides
Guides to custom inflatables: prices, lead times, fire ratings, wind, permits and fabrics. Answers from Digital Inflatables, with figures from real projects.
How custom inflatables are made: brief, 3D model, digital patterns, dye-sublimation printing, laser cutting, sewing or welding, air tests and installation.
Using inflatables indoors at a trade fair, museum or shop: ceiling height, rigging points, blower noise, emergency exits and night installs. What to check.
Inflatables and wind: the usual limit is 24 mph (38 km/h), force 5 on the Beaufort scale, lower for helium. Stakes or ballast, and who decides to shut down.
Inflatable projection spheres: diameter, front or internal projection, LED lighting, rigging, air or helium, with moons and spheres made by Digital Inflatables.
Fire rating for indoor inflatables: NFPA 701 in the United States, M1 in France, B1 in Germany, RF2 in Switzerland, EN 13501-1. Which class, what proof.
Inflatable fabrics and printing: 300D to 600D polyester, PVC, TPU, ripstop, mirror finishes, sublimation, UV printing, Velcro. How to choose the right ones.
How long do inflatables last? Generally 3 to 10 years. How to clean them with neutral soap, dry them fully before folding, store them, inspect and repair them.
How to brief a custom inflatable: vector logo, images of at least 150 dpi, Pantone references, venue measurements and 3D approval. The checklist to send.
Permits for giant inflatables on public ground: the municipality, POCAMA at least 3 months ahead, Geneva at least 30 days ahead, captive balloons, 230 V.
Constant-air, sealed or helium inflatables: power, staying inflated, energy use, noise, power cuts and captive balloon rules, with Digital Inflatables projects.
Commissioning an inflatable sculpture: steps and prototype, copyright and credit, storage between exhibitions, public safety, lead time and budget, explained.
Inflatable stage sets for festivals: 55 m stage sets, a backlit moon with an M1 fire rating, a stand that fits in a suitcase. Sizes, set-up and touring.
Real prices from Digital Inflatables: 2 m balloon for $300, 3.5 m nose for 4’500 CHF, ice hockey tunnel 8’000 to 15’000 CHF, 55 m set 150’000 – 200’000 CHF.
Custom inflatable lead times from real projects: Nutella jar in 5 days, tunnel in under 10 days, touring stage set in 3 weeks, artwork in 6 to 8 weeks.
Choosing a custom inflatables manufacturer: 3D design, production, installation, lead times, budgets, fire safety. The questions to ask, with real examples.