The Precision Plastic Ball Company Terminology Fact Sheet

Balls made from a clear, transparent plastic known for its optical clarity and light transmittance. Often used in visual or decorative applications.

Balls treated or made from materials that reduce static electricity build-up, often used in environments where static discharge can be problematic.

A manufacturing process by which hollow plastic parts are formed. It might be used for certain hollow ball applications.

A measure of how much resistance a ball provides when in contact with another surface. It affects how easily a ball will slide or roll.

While some balls are naturally transparent or white, they can be manufactured in a variety of colours to suit design or application needs.

A moulding process where plastic or rubber is placed in a mould and heated, then compressed to form the desired shape.

The mass of a ball per unit volume. Different materials will have varying densities, which can influence the ball’s behaviour in certain applications.

A measure of hardness, typically used for rubber or elastomeric materials. A higher durometer indicates a harder material.

Balls made from elastic materials that can return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed.

A process where material is pushed through a die to create a continuous shape, sometimes used in the production of specific types of balls.

Additives, typically Glass or Carbon, mixed with plastic or rubber to enhance certain properties, like strength or flexibility.

These are remnants of the seam where the two halves of a mould meet. Some applications require balls without visible flash lines for aesthetic or functional reasons.

The ability of a material to resist deformation under load.

Balls that are made from materials safe for contact with food. They meet specific regulatory standards for food safety.

Balls that can withstand high temperatures without deforming or melting.

Some balls are solid throughout, giving them more weight and durability, while others are hollow, making them lighter and potentially more buoyant. Not all solid balls will sink, some solid materials will float.

Terms that describe whether a material repels (hydrophobic) or attracts (hydrophilic) water.

The ability of a material to resist fracturing when force is applied suddenly.

A process where melted plastic is injected into a mould to produce the ball. This method is commonly used for mass production and may have voids.

Balls that have been further processed post-moulding using machines to achieve specific dimensions, surface finishes, or other characteristics.

Different plastics and rubbers offer a range of properties, such as UV resistance, transparency, flexibility, and chemical resistance. The choice of material is often dictated by the intended application of the ball.

Balls that are used as-moulded without additional machine-based modifications.

Opaque balls don’t allow light to pass through, while transparent balls do.

Post-production processes to enhance the surface appearance or smoothness of the balls.