How does the tennis production line produce high-quality tennis balls?

1. Material selection

• Rubber selection: the key to elasticity and durability

Tennis balls are usually made of natural rubber or composite rubber, and their elasticity affects the rebound performance of the ball during hitting. Good rubber needs to be vulcanized (cured at high temperature and high pressure) to ensure that it will not deform after long-term use. Some high-end tennis balls will also add special formulas to enhance wear resistance and anti-aging capabilities.

• Fiber covering layer: determines the feel and durability

The outer layer of tennis balls is woven from wool, nylon or mixed fibers, which directly affects the flight trajectory and hitting feel of the ball. International competition balls usually use high-density wool, while training balls may use more economical nylon materials. The fibers need to undergo tensile and wear resistance tests to ensure that they are not easily damaged when hit at high speed.

• Application of environmentally friendly materials

In recent years, some manufacturers have begun to use recyclable rubber and environmentally friendly fibers to reduce the impact on the environment while meeting international environmental standards.

2. Precision manufacturing process: ensure stable performance

• Rubber molding and vulcanization

After the rubber raw materials are mixed, they are injected into the mold and pressed into a hemispherical shape, and then cured by a high-temperature vulcanization process. The vulcanization temperature and time need to be precisely controlled to ensure that the elasticity and hardness of each ball are consistent.

• Cover weaving and lamination

The fiber material is processed into a felt shape by a weaving machine, and then precisely cut and laminated to the rubber core. The lamination process requires the use of special glue and appropriate pressure to avoid bubbles or delamination problems.

• Surface treatment and coating

Some tennis balls are sprayed with waterproof or UV protective coatings to extend the life of outdoor use.

3. Strict quality inspection

• Automated visual inspection

The tennis production line is equipped with high-precision cameras and recognition systems to automatically detect the roundness, weight (standard tennis ball weight is 56~59.4 grams) and surface defects of tennis balls, and eliminate unqualified products.

• Rebound test

Tennis balls must pass a drop test, falling freely from a specified height (such as 100 inches), and the bounce height must be between 53 and 58 inches (ITF standard), otherwise it will be considered unqualified.

• Durability test

Use a robotic arm to simulate hitting the ball, hitting it continuously for thousands of times, to detect the wear of the cover layer and the stability of the internal structure. The match ball must also pass an air pressure test to ensure that the internal air pressure meets the standard (usually 12~14 psi).