GOLF BALLSGotico, Philipp

Oracion, Cherry AnneSible, Wilbert

MSE151 Composites

Dr. Jose Mario Diaz

December 15, 2011

Introduction

0Used in the game of golf0Performs within a specified

velocity, distance, and symmetry limits

0Can be personalized depending on your handicap, swing speed, and equipment specifications.

History of Golf Balls

0 Before 17th Century - Wooden balls0 1618 - Featherie ball, which is a hand

sewn leather pouch stuffed with chicken or goose feathers and coated with paint.

0 1848 - Gutta-percha ball, which is made from the Malaysian Sapodilla Tree by heating and shaping it while hot.

History of Golf Balls

0 20th century - multi-layer balls were developed, first as wound balls consisting of a solid or liquid-filled core wound with a layer of rubber thread and a thin outer shell.

0 Modern balls - consist of several layers of various synthetic materials like surlyn or urethane blends. They are usually classified according to the number of layers.

Specifications

0Weight < 45.93 grams0Diameter > 1.680 in 0Must be Perfectly Round0Good elastic collision0Must not crack or deform0Must meet the specifications of

the USGA

Types of Golf Balls

01-piece balls0 Seldom used as playing ball0 Inexpensive and very durable0 Surlyn with dimples molded in

02-piece balls0 Used mostly because it combines durability with

maximum distance0 Solid Core: high-energy acrylate/resin0 Cover: tough, cut-proof (Surlyn)

Types of Golf Balls03-piece balls

0 Core: Solid rubber/liquid center0 Core is covered by many yards of elastic windings0 Cover: durable Surlyn/Surlyn like, or balata0 Softer and take more spin allowing more control

on the ball’s flight when hit

04-piece balls0 Newer form of the original 3-piece ball

Ball Built-up

DIMPLES0 Shallow Dimple: Low

trajectory, good control0 Deep Dimple: High

trajectory, longer flight time

COVER0Balata

0 Natural rubber; softest0 Less cut resistant0 Spin easier0 Maximum feel and control

0Surlyn0 Most durable cover0 Thermoplastic resins by Dupont0 Better cut and abrasion resistance

than balata cover0 Harder cover than balatalower

spin rate

The Manufacturing ProcessFORMING THE CORE ELASTIC WINDING

(for 3-layer balls)2

0 Roll mills: mixing0 Extruder: forming of the slag0 Compression molding: forming

of the core

0 Electronic winder applies rubber thread to silicone and rubber core

0 Electronic device, reacting to vibrations of thread in front of photocell, maintains tension.

1

The Manufacturing ProcessFORMING THE COVER AND DIMPLES3

0Injection molding0 The core is centered within a mold cavity by pins,

and molten thermoplastic is injected into the dimpled cavity surrounding the core.

0Heat and pressure cause the cover material to flow to join with the center forming the dimpled shape and size of the finished ball.

0Compression molding0 The cover is first injection molded into two hollow

hemispheres0 These are positioned around the core, heated and

then pressed together, using a mold which fuses the cover to the core and also forms the dimples. 

The Manufacturing ProcessPOLISHING, PAINTING, FINAL COATING

DRYING ANDPACKAGING5

0 Flash or rough spots and the seam on the molded cover are removed.

0 Spray guns that are automatically controlled are used to apply the paint. 

0 The ball is stamped with the logo0 Final step: clear coat for high sheen

and scuff resistance.

0 The balls are loaded into containers and placed in large dryers

0 After drying, the balls are ready for packaging in boxes

4

Golf Balls: How is it made?

GOLF BALLSGotico, Philipp

Oracion, Cherry AnneSible, Wilbert

MSE151 Composites

Dr. Jose Mario Diaz

December 15, 2011