Aeroformed Chair
June 2019
The Aeroformed Chair is a futuristic design that showcases the innovative manufacturing process of ‘Aeroforming’, where air is injected into a sealed envelope of sheet metal, inflating it like a balloon as the internal pressure builds.
Inflating metal creates complex three-dimensional forms that are extremely strong for their weight, even when the metal before inflation is only 2mm thick.
The airflow into the piece is carefully controlled, ensuring the key structural areas expand to the required thickness. The inflation is stopped early before the back supports are fully inflated, leaving them with an attractive taper.
This new design demonstrates that minimal inflation still provides considerable structural strength, and creates a sleek and aerodynamic aesthetic without the ripples or dents seen in most inflated designs.
The legs and frame are powder coated mild steel, with felt floor protection pads on the feet. The seat and back are discs of high-quality birch plywood, blackened with ebony dye and finished with a matt wax varnish.