Ayrton Oneill
Sports equipment manufacturer Wilson has unveiled a prototype 3D-printed airless basketball that does not need to be inflated. The ball is made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson and features a see-through lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through. The airless design eliminates the need for inflation and overcomes issues with deflation caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping over time. It also addresses contraction in inflated balls due to changing environments and temperatures. Wilson's Airless Gen1 basketball employs cutting-edge software and 3D printing technology to create a realistic replacement for traditional basketballs. While the airless design offers benefits such as durability and consistent performance, it also presents challenges in terms of player connection, grip, and the potential need to relearn shooting techniques due to altered aerodynamics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing technique | 3D printing |
| Printing material | Polymer |
| Printing technology | Selective laser sintering (SLS) |
| Printing structure | Lattice design with hexagonal holes |
| Inflation | Airless |
| Durability | Resistant to damage from blunt force |
| Bounce | Similar to traditional basketballs |
| Sound | Quiet whooshing sound |
| Grip | Different from traditional basketballs |
| Temperature resistance | Not affected by temperature changes |
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What You'll Learn
Airless basketballs are made using 3D printing technology
The 3D-printed airless basketballs feature a unique lattice structure on their surface, resembling a honeycomb pattern with small, hexagonal holes. This lattice design is key to the ball's performance, providing the required bounce. The lattice deforms and stores energy when the ball hits a surface, similar to the compression of springs, and then releases that energy to propel the ball back up. The size and design of the lattice can be adjusted to control the bounce, making it larger or smaller as desired.
The material used for the lattice is an elastic polymer, chosen for its ability to deform and recover its shape. This highly elastic material contributes to the ball's bounce and durability. While the specific material composition is not publicly disclosed, it is described as "squishy and bouncy" and comparable to the material used in high-performance 3D-printed shoe soles. The ball's weight is similar to that of a standard basketball, ensuring a familiar feel for players.
The 3D printing process also offers advantages in terms of customisation and sustainability. Balls can be printed on demand, reducing excess product and allowing for unique designs and colours. Additionally, the use of a single component with one supply chain can lower the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping. However, the high cost of these airless basketballs, priced at a premium compared to traditional balls, may be a deciding factor for players considering their purchase.
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They don't need to be inflated
Sports equipment manufacturer Wilson has unveiled a prototype 3D-printed airless basketball that does not need to be inflated. This innovative design eliminates the need for inflation, addressing the common issue of balls losing air over time or due to changes in temperature and environment. Traditional basketballs rely on air pressure to generate rebound, but the airless ball achieves bounce through its unique structure.
The airless basketball is created using 3D printing technology and selective laser sintering (SLS), forming the ball layer by layer until it becomes a complete sphere. The ball is made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson, featuring a lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through. This lattice design enables the ball to deform and store energy, similar to springs, which is then released as the ball bounces back.
One of the primary challenges in developing the airless basketball was achieving a bounce comparable to that of a traditional basketball. Wilson's engineers conducted rigorous testing to ensure the ball rebounded to the expected height despite not containing air. They also addressed durability concerns, demonstrating the ball's resilience by subjecting it to aggressive conditions, such as hitting it with a baseball bat.
The absence of inflation in the airless basketball provides several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the inconvenience of deflation, ensuring that the ball maintains its shape and performance over time. Secondly, it overcomes the issue of contraction in inflated balls caused by changing temperatures, which can affect their playability. Lastly, the airless design also eliminates the need for maintenance and reduces the risk of manufacturing defects that can lead to air escape.
While the airless basketball offers innovative solutions, it also presents some considerations. The ball's unique structure and material may affect the player's grip and connection with the ball. Additionally, the nearly silent bounce of the airless ball, described as a "'whoosh'" sound, could be advantageous for players concerned about disturbing neighbours but may impact the overall experience for players and fans accustomed to the familiar sounds of a traditional basketball game.
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They are designed to bounce similarly to traditional basketballs
Wilson Sporting Goods has designed an airless basketball that bounces similarly to traditional basketballs. The ball, called Airless Gen1, is 3D-printed and made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson. It features a lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through, giving it bounce and making it deform like springs. This innovative design eliminates the need for inflation and the issues of deflation caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping over time.
According to Nadine Lippa, Wilson's lead engineer, the challenge was to create an airless ball that rebounded to the expected height. Traditional inflated balls rely on air pressure for their rebound, but the Airless Gen1 ball's lattice structure enables it to bounce like a traditional basketball. Wilson used selective laser sintering (SLS) technology to form the ball layer by layer until it achieved a spherical shape.
The bounce of the Airless Gen1 was compared to that of an indoor/outdoor ball by Unbox Therapy, and they found that they bounced back to the same height. However, the sound and feel of the ball differed significantly. The airless ball produced a ""whoosh" sound as air flowed through it, and it lacked the familiar "slap-and-boing" sound of traditional basketballs. This quieter bounce could be beneficial for players who want to practice without disturbing neighbours.
While the Airless Gen1 challenges convention by performing without air, it may not outperform a traditional ball in terms of player performance. Players have developed a connection with the amount of force required to make shots with a traditional ball, and the different aerodynamics of the Airless Gen1 would require an adjustment to the shooting technique. Additionally, players might also experience a difference in how they grip the ball due to its unique structure.
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Airless basketballs are virtually silent
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a prototype 3D-printed airless basketball that does not need to be inflated. The ball is made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson and has a lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through. This lattice structure is what sets the airless basketball apart from its traditional counterparts and is also responsible for its unique characteristics.
One of the most distinctive features of the airless basketball is its quietness. Unlike traditional basketballs, which produce a distinct "thud" or "slap-and-boing" sound when bounced, the airless basketball emits only a soft "whoosh" as air flows through it. This near-silence is due to the lattice structure of the ball, which can deform and store energy like a spring, allowing it to bounce back up without making a loud sound.
The absence of the familiar bouncing sound can significantly impact the experience of both players and fans. For players, the sound of the ball can be an important factor in developing a feel for the force and grip required for shooting. The lack of this auditory feedback may require players to relearn their shooting technique to adapt to the new ball.
Additionally, the quietness of the airless basketball could be advantageous for players who want to practice dribbling without disturbing their neighbours. However, it may also detract from the excitement of the game for fans, as the loud bouncing of the ball often signals a thrilling play. Thus, while the quietness of the airless basketball may be beneficial in certain scenarios, it also presents new challenges and considerations for players and fans alike.
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They are more durable than traditional basketballs
Airless basketballs are more durable than traditional basketballs. This is because they cannot be deflated, meaning they are not susceptible to the issues caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping through the valve over time. The airless design also overcomes the contraction in inflated balls caused by changing environments and temperatures. Nadine Lippa, Wilson's lead engineer on the project, stated that the airless basketball was created to address the issue of inflatable balls eventually going flat.
Wilson's airless basketball features a lattice structure that allows air to pass through it. This lattice structure is made from an elastomeric polymer developed by the company. The ball is 3D-printed as one solid piece, featuring "seams" and eight panels that reference the design of traditional basketballs. The lattice structure enables the ball to deform and store energy, which is then released as the ball bounces back. This design allows the ball to bounce in a similar way to traditional basketballs.
The durability of the airless basketball was tested by hitting it with a baseball bat, and it was observed that the ball remained undamaged even under such aggressive conditions. This demonstrates the superior durability of the airless basketball compared to traditional balls, which can be prone to damage from external forces.
While the airless basketball offers improved durability, it also presents some challenges for players. The ball's unique structure, with its lattice design and holes, may affect the aerodynamics and wind resistance, resulting in a different flight path when shot. Players may need to adjust their shooting technique and relearn how to make shots effectively. Additionally, the different feel and sound of the airless basketball, with its quiet bounce, could be an adjustment for players and fans accustomed to the traditional ball's characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
Airless basketballs are 3D-printed as one solid piece with a lattice structure that lets air pass through it. The lattice structure allows the ball to deform and store energy, which is then released as it bounces back up.
Airless basketballs are made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson. The ball is printed using selective laser sintering (SLS) to form the ball layer by layer until the entire sphere takes shape.
Airless basketballs do not require inflation and will never deflate, eliminating the issues caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping over time. They are also not affected by changing temperatures and environments, which can cause contraction in inflated balls.
