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The airless basketball is a 3D-printed ball with a lattice structure that lets air pass through it. It was designed to eliminate the need for inflation and the issues associated with it, such as deflation due to manufacturing defects or air escaping over time. The ball was developed by Wilson in collaboration with General Lattice and EOS, and it weighs around 610 grams. While Wilson has not disclosed the exact chemical formula, the ball is believed to be made from a polymer material, specifically an elastomeric polymer or thermoplastic elastomer powder material. The ball's lattice structure and material composition contribute to its bounce and durability, with some reviews noting that it bounces identically to a pressurized basketball while producing a softer whoosh sound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 610 grams |
| Bounce | Identical to a pressurized basketball |
| Sound | A soft "whoosh" as air flows through the ball |
| Feel | Very different to the hand |
| Material | Elastomeric polymer, possibly TPU or PEBA |
| Manufacturing process | 3D-printed |
| Structure | Two layers of a honeycomb-like structure with hexagonal holes |
| Durability | Resistant to damage from a baseball bat |
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What You'll Learn
Elastomeric polymer
The airless basketball is made of an elastomeric polymer, a material developed by Wilson. The ball is 3D-printed as one solid piece with a see-through lattice structure and hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through. This lattice structure is formed by two layers of a honeycomb-like design with a centimeter of depth between them, connected at each of the vertices of the honeycomb segments.
The elastomeric polymer material is designed to give the airless basketball the same performance characteristics as a traditional basketball in terms of size, weight, and bounce, without the need for inflation. The ball weighs around 610 grams, just under the maximum weight of 620 grams for a regulation ball, and bounces to the same height as an indoor/outdoor ball.
One of the biggest challenges in developing the airless basketball was achieving a bounce similar to that of a traditional basketball. The inflated ball relies on air pressure to generate rebound, which is not present in an airless ball. To address this, Wilson's lead engineer, Nadine Lippa, and her team created the lattice structure to enable air passage and enhance the bounce.
The elastomeric polymer material also contributes to the ball's bounce and durability. It has been described as "squishy and bouncy" by Monique McClain, a mechanical engineer at Purdue University. The ball's durability is evident in its ability to withstand aggressive conditions, such as being hit with a baseball bat without sustaining significant damage.
The airless basketball offers several benefits, including eliminating the need for inflation and addressing deflating issues caused by blunt force, manufacturing defects, or air escaping over time. However, one notable difference is the sound it produces when bounced, described as a soft "whoosh" or "whoosh and smack", which differs from the familiar "slap-and-boing" sound of traditional basketballs.
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TPE
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a class of polymers that exhibit both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. TPEs are known for their flexibility, durability, and ability to be processed using traditional thermoplastic techniques, such as injection molding and extrusion.
The use of TPE in the airless basketball design offers several advantages over traditional inflated balls. Firstly, TPE provides enhanced durability, as it is highly resistant to wear and tear and can withstand impact without damage. This eliminates the issue of balls losing their bounce over time due to air leakage or manufacturing defects.
Secondly, TPE allows for a consistent and controlled bounce. By manipulating the structure and composition of the TPE material, manufacturers can fine-tune the ball's rebound characteristics to match those of a traditional basketball. This ensures that the airless basketball bounces identically to a pressurized ball, providing a familiar and expected performance for players.
Additionally, TPE offers design versatility. The airless basketball can be printed as a single solid piece, featuring "seams" and panels that mimic the look and feel of traditional basketballs. This not only enhances the ball's aesthetic appeal but also provides a familiar grip and handling experience for players accustomed to conventional balls.
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TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, is a polymer material used in the production of airless basketballs. TPU is a flexible, durable, and bouncy material that can be used to create a ball with a realistic bounce and feel.
The use of TPU in airless basketballs addresses the issue of balls losing their bounce over time due to air escaping. Traditional basketballs rely on air pressure to generate their rebound, but the TPU lattice structure in airless balls allows them to maintain their shape and bounce without the need for inflation. This innovative design eliminates the risk of deflation and ensures a consistent performance.
While TPU is a popular choice for creating airless basketballs, other materials such as PLA, PETG, and polypropylene (PP) have also been explored through 3D printing. These materials aim to replicate the bounce and durability of TPU while offering alternative options for manufacturing.
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PLA
When used in 3D printing, PLA is fed into a 3D printer in the form of a filament, which is heated and extruded through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer. This process is known as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). PLA is known for its ease of printing, as it does not warp or shrink easily, making it a good choice for printing large objects or those with intricate details.
In the context of airless basketballs, PLA has been mentioned by several online users as a potential material for creating a bouncy and durable ball. Some have specifically mentioned using PLA-flex or PLA-plus, which are variations of PLA that offer increased flexibility and toughness. These properties are desirable for an airless basketball to ensure it can withstand impact and provide a good bounce.
One company, WISDREAM, has developed a flexible PLA filament specifically for printing airless basketballs, called FlexiTough. This filament is designed to offer a balance between durability and bounce, providing a realistic playing experience. However, some users have reported difficulties in printing with this filament, highlighting the need to follow specific instructions and settings for successful printing.
While PLA is a popular choice for 3D printing, it is important to consider its limitations. PLA typically has lower impact resistance and heat resistance compared to other materials, which may affect its performance and durability in certain applications. Additionally, PLA is not as flexible as some other materials, which may be a consideration for creating a bouncy ball. Nonetheless, with the right modifications and treatments, PLA can be made more impact-resistant and flexible, making it a viable option for creating airless basketballs.
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PEBA
Polyether block amide, commonly known as PEBA, is a block copolymer that is often used in the 3D printing of airless basketballs. PEBA is a versatile material that offers a range of desirable characteristics for this application.
One of the key advantages of using PEBA in airless basketballs is its durability. This material is known for its toughness and resistance to wear and tear. PEBA-printed basketballs can withstand the rigorous demands of the sport, including frequent bouncing, dribbling, and handling. Its durability ensures that the ball retains its shape and structural integrity over extended periods of use.
Additionally, PEBA exhibits excellent flexibility and elasticity. This flexibility allows the material to deform and return to its original shape when subjected to external forces, such as the impact of a bounce or the grip of a player's hand. The elasticity of PEBA contributes to the ball's ability to rebound and maintain its spherical form, mimicking the behaviour of a traditional inflated basketball.
The choice of PEBA for airless basketballs also takes into account its compatibility with 3D printing processes. PEBA is well-suited for 3D printing technologies, allowing for precise control over the ball's design and structure. This compatibility enables manufacturers to create intricate lattice structures within the ball, which enhance its performance characteristics, such as bounce and air flow.
While PEBA is a popular choice for creating airless basketballs, it is worth noting that other materials are also being explored. Some alternatives include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polypropylene (PP). Each of these materials offers unique advantages, such as improved bounce, flexibility, or durability. The exploration of different materials showcases the ongoing innovation in the design of airless basketballs, aiming to strike the perfect balance between performance, feel, and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
The airless basketball is made of a polymer material developed by Wilson. The ball is 3D-printed and has a lattice structure with hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through it.
The airless basketball's polymer material helps to eliminate the issue of the ball deflating over time due to manufacturing defects, blunt force, or air escaping through the valve.
The airless basketball feels very different to the hand compared to a traditional basketball, even while bouncing identically to a pressurized basketball.
