Ayrton Oneill
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a 3D-printed basketball that does not require air inflation. It weighs around 610 grams, which is slightly under the maximum weight of 620 grams for a regulation basketball. The ball is made up of two layers of a honeycomb-like structure, with a centimeter of depth between the layers. It was created using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology and is available in brown, white, and black colorways. The airless basketball is priced at $2,500, with only a few hundred being made available for purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 610 grams |
| Maximum weight of a regulation ball | 620 grams |
| Manufacturing technique | 3D printing |
| Manufacturing material | Plastic powder |
| Manufacturing process | Selective laser sintering (SLS) |
| Manufacturing partners | General Lattice and EOS |
| Manufacturing time | Six years |
| Manufacturing cost | $2,500 |
| Number manufactured | 200 |
| Recyclability | Non-recyclable |
| Texture | No dotted leather texture |
| Sound | A whooshing sound when bounced |
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What You'll Learn
The weight of the airless basketball
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a 3D-printed basketball that "nearly fits" regulation basketball criteria, including weight, size, and bounce. The ball is made up of two layers of a honeycomb-like structure with a centimeter of depth between them. The weight of the airless basketball is approximately 610 grams, which is just under the maximum weight of 620 grams for a regulation basketball.
The airless basketball is unique in that it does not require air inflation, challenging convention by performing in the absence of air. This feature addresses the issue of varying atmospheric pressure at different elevations, which can affect the bounce of a traditional basketball. For example, at a higher elevation like Denver, Colorado, the reduced atmospheric pressure can result in a bouncier ball compared to a lower-elevation location like New Orleans, Louisiana.
The airless basketball also differs from traditional basketballs in terms of sound and feel. The indoor/outdoor balls produce the familiar "slap-and-boing" sound, while the airless ball has been described as having a "whoosh" sound as it moves through the air and a "smack" when it hits the ground. The absence of the raised bumps of classic leather also contributes to a different feel, and the layer lines of the 3D printing are visible upon close inspection.
Overall, the weight of the airless basketball is an important aspect of its design, allowing it to closely resemble the characteristics of a traditional basketball while also offering unique benefits, such as eliminating the need for air inflation and reducing the impact of elevation on ball bounce.
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How it's made
The Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball is a 3D-printed basketball that, unlike traditional balls, does not need to be inflated. It is made from an elastomeric polymer developed by Wilson and has a see-through lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through it. The ball was designed to bounce like traditional basketballs, with a weight and size that matches that of a typical basketball.
The most challenging aspect of developing the airless ball was ensuring it bounced to a similar height as other basketballs. Nadine Lippa, the lead engineer on the project, explained that finding a material that rebounds to the expected height without the use of air was difficult because inflated balls rely on air pressure to generate rebound. Wilson aimed to create a ball that did not suffer from the issue of deflation, which can be caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping over time.
To create the ball, Wilson used 3D printing technology, specifically selective laser sintering (SLS), to form the ball layer by layer until it formed a complete sphere. The ball is made up of two layers of a honeycomb-like structure, with a centimeter of depth between the two layers, which are connected at each of the vertices of the honeycomb segments. The lattice structure also helps to overcome contraction in inflated balls caused by changing environments and temperatures, which can affect the performance of the ball.
The Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball underwent rigorous testing to ensure its performance and durability. It was hit with a baseball bat, and no damage was observed. The ball was also compared to a traditional indoor/outdoor ball, and it bounced back to the same height. The sound and feel of the ball differed slightly from a traditional ball, with a whooshing sound and a smack when it hit the ground. Overall, the first generation of the airless basketball was well-received, with plans for further research and development before its official release.
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The sound and feel
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a 3D-printed ball that does not require air inflation. It is made up of two layers of a honeycomb-like structure, with a centimeter of depth between them. The ball weighs around 610 grams, falling slightly under the maximum regulation weight of 620 grams.
When it comes to the sound and feel of the ball, there are some differences compared to traditional basketballs. The indoor/outdoor basketball produces the familiar slap-and-boing sound that basketball fans know and love. In contrast, the airless ball has been described as having a whooshing sound as it goes through the net, with a smack as it hits the ground. This quieter sound can be advantageous for players who want to avoid disturbing their neighbours during driveway hoop sessions.
The texture of the ball is another notable difference. The classic leather basketball has raised bumps that provide a distinct feel, which the airless ball has been designed to replicate. While the layer lines of the 3D printing are still evident upon close inspection, the ball has been praised for its good feel and nice bounce. It feels slightly different from what players might be used to, but it still provides a positive experience overall.
The absence of the traditional leather texture is one of the biggest adjustments for players who are used to the classic ball. Some have speculated that printing the leather texture onto the airless ball could enhance its appeal. However, if a new generation of players grows up with the current texture of the airless ball, it might become more widely accepted.
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$108.99 $159.99
The design and texture
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a 3D-printed ball that does not require air inflation. It is made up of two layers of a honeycomb-like structure, with a centimeter of depth between the two layers, which are connected at each of the vertices of the honeycomb segments. The design also includes the channels that are found on a conventional basketball. The ball is formed using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology and a type of plastic powder.
The ball weighs around 610 grams, which is slightly under the maximum regulation weight of 620 grams. When compared to an indoor/outdoor ball in a bounce test, the Gen1 ball bounced back to the same height.
The sound and feel of the Gen1 ball differ from that of a traditional basketball. The indoor/outdoor ball produces the familiar slap-and-boing sound, while the Gen1 ball has been described as having a whooshing sound as it goes through the net with a smack as it hits the ground. The Gen1 ball also lacks the dotted leather texture of traditional basketballs, which some players have noted as their primary piece of feedback.
The ball's design and texture are aimed at challenging convention by creating a basketball that performs without the need for air inflation. The absence of air also helps to level the playing field by reducing the impact of atmospheric pressure on the ball's bounce, which can give a home-court advantage to higher-elevation teams.
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The price
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is an innovative product that challenges convention by performing without requiring air inflation. This 3D-printed basketball is an engineering marvel, utilising cutting-edge technology to create a realistic replacement for the traditional basketball. However, its introduction raises questions about the market demand for an airless basketball and its potential impact on the sport.
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball carries a hefty price tag of $2,500, significantly higher than the price of a traditional basketball. This high price point is attributed to scarcity and manufacturing limitations, with only a limited number of balls produced due to the intricate manufacturing process. Wilson acknowledges that the ball's success in the market is uncertain, and they are gauging the response to determine future production quantities and pricing strategies.
At this price, the Airless Gen1 basketball is not aimed at the average consumer who purchases recreational basketballs, which typically range from $25 to $50. Instead, it targets a niche market of enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for this unique product. The ball's performance and durability are expected to be comparable to that of an NBA game ball, which typically sells for around $200. However, the Airless Gen1 basketball offers something different—a basketball that doesn't go flat and provides a new experience in terms of sound and feel.
The high price of the Airless Gen1 basketball can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is a product of extensive research and development, utilising 3D printing technology and selective laser sintering (SLS) to create its unique honeycomb-like structure. This intricate manufacturing process requires a significant amount of engineering expertise and resources, driving up production costs. Additionally, the ball's innovative design, lack of air requirement, and potential for consistent performance across varying altitudes may appeal to certain players and teams, further contributing to its premium pricing.
While the Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is an impressive feat of engineering and design, its success in the market is yet to be determined. The ball's high price may limit its accessibility, and it remains to be seen if it will catch on among basketball players and enthusiasts. Wilson's strategy of targeting a niche market with this innovative product is a gamble, and the company hopes that additive manufacturing will become more mainstream and affordable in the future, allowing for potential price adjustments and broader adoption.
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Frequently asked questions
The airless basketball weighs 610 grams, which is slightly under the maximum weight of 620 grams for regulation balls.
The airless basketball, called the Airless Gen1, is available for purchase on Wilson's website for $2,500.
Only a few hundred Airless Gen1 balls have been made, with roughly 200 available for sale.
