What’s Inside Pool Balls?

Composition and Special Features of Pool Balls

Have you ever wondered what’s inside pool balls, their composition and the unique characteristics that make them perfect for the game?

Pool balls are an essential component of any pool table game, and while they might look simple on the outside, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

The Composition of Pool Balls

Material and Core Structure

Traditionally, pool balls were made from a material called celluloid, a type of plastic.

However, due to the high flammability and production difficulties associated with celluloid, modern pool balls are primarily made from resin.

This material is durable, less prone to chipping, and has better impact resistance.

The typical pool ball is a solid sphere with a solid resin core.

The core is often a solid, dense material designed to withstand repeated impacts during play. The core is essential for maintaining the ball’s shape and weight distribution. Most important, it ensures consistent performance on the table.

Surface Coating

The outer surface of a pool ball is coated with a layer of polyester or phenolic resin.

This coating is crucial for providing a smooth, hard finish that can handle the wear and tear of gameplay. It also ensures that the ball rolls smoothly and interacts correctly with the cue stick and other balls on the table.

The classic numbered balls in a standard set of pool balls (1-15) have different colors and designs applied on this outer layer.

The numbers and colors are often printed using sublimation or screen printing techniques. This involves applying the design through a heat or ink-based process to ensure durability.

What Makes Pool Balls Special?

Precision Engineering

Pool balls are engineered with high precision to ensure that they are perfectly round and balanced.

The standard diameter for pool balls is 2.25 inches (57.15 mm), and they are manufactured to strict tolerances to maintain consistency in play.

Any deviation from the standard size or weight can affect the game, so pool balls undergo rigorous quality control checks during production.

Weight and Density

A standard pool ball weighs approximately 5.5 ounces (156 grams). The weight is carefully calibrated to ensure that the ball moves predictably when struck by the cue.

The density of the material used in the core and coating affects how the ball reacts to impact, providing the right balance between bounce and roll.

Durability

Pool balls are designed to be extremely durable, as they endure constant friction and impact during gameplay.

The resin coating provides resistance to scratches and dents. This ensures that the balls maintain their smooth surface and performance over time.

High-quality pool balls are engineered to last for years without significant wear.

Special Features

Some pool balls have unique features, such as glow-in-the-dark coatings or highly reflective surfaces.

These special editions are often used for novelty games or in low-light environments.

Additionally, there are customized pool balls that can be personalized with designs or logos for commercial or personal use.