× Top Billiard Players
Terms of use Privacy Policy

What are pool balls made out of?



ball pool

There are many pool ball games that can be played with them. They are small and distinctive in appearance. They were originally made from ivory and wood, but have since been replaced by synthetic materials. They are now made from phenolic resin.

Thermosetting plastics such as phenolic resin are similar to bakinglite but much more durable. The plastic will harden after it cools. This makes it an ideal choice for a ball pool. However, it's also very expensive. Currently, phenolics resin is mostly manufactured from petroleum.

Another option is polyester resin. Polyester resin is less expensive and considered to be an inexpensive option. Polyester is actually less expensive than phenolic. Its durability is similar to that of phenolic. But it doesn't keep its shine as long. It is still very popular among manufacturers.

It was originally made from coal-tar when phenolic resin first appeared. Although it's a relatively strong and durable material, it's also very dangerous to play with. You may burn yourself or others if your are not familiar with how it works. You should only use high-quality billiard ball to prevent this.


pool playing

A high quality pool ball will have the Thermoset. It enhances the ball's precision. The billiard balls also have friction from the oil. With this, a good quality billiard ball can withstand more pressure. Pay attention to the friction coefficient. You shouldn't trust a ball that can't handle the pressure of the game.

Before the development of phenolics resin, pool balls were made out of clay, stone, clay and other cellular material. These pool balls are still manufactured by some companies.


Then, around 1907, American chemist Leo Baekeland came up with a new way to make plastic. He combined nitrocellulose with alcohol, camphor, and then mold the mixture under high pressure. This was a huge step forward, even though it wasn't perfect.

Bakelite was an easier choice by the middle of the 20th-century. It was also easy to make. It quickly became the standard in billiard balls. Unlike celluloid, Bakelite wasn't prone to bursting when struck with force.

Today, phenolic resin pool ball are very popular. They have a timeless, classic look and are durable. Since the resin is thermosetting, it won't melt back, meaning the ball will last up to forty years.


pool playing

You will need high-quality balls for billiards, whether you are looking to play nine-ball games or straight pool. Aramith is a great brand. They are the most popular billiard balls on the market.

Aramith poolballs are the most sought-after, but there's a handful of other manufacturers that make quality products. Iszy, for example, offers a marble swirl set that is rated among the top ten billiard balls sets. Aramith is the best choice if you want to buy a set of billiard ball sets.




 


What are pool balls made out of?