Astroform

Astroform Corp is a manufacturing company developing large metal structures for defense and space applications. Founded on an idea that began at Northwestern University and later received NASA’s Artemis Award, the company aims to make building substantial metal hardware in America faster and more accessible.

Astroform’s approach, called inflatable metal, starts with sheet metal cut and welded while flat. The joined metal is then inflated into a rigid three-dimensional structure. By carrying out much of the work in two dimensions, Astroform seeks to produce large parts more quickly and affordably than conventional casting, forging, or 3D fabrication. Its process uses commodity sheet metal and straightforward welds, avoids costly molds and dies, and allows design changes to be made through updated cut files rather than new tooling. The company also emphasizes efficient material use and the option to ship large parts flat before shaping them where needed.

Astroform is building a team of engineers and makers to develop hardware for defense and space, and invites organizations to discuss metal parts that are slow, expensive, or difficult to source.