Wilson Sporting Goods – the official supplier of sports equipment for the world’s largest basketball league – the NBA, has presented the first ever ball produced in 3D printing technology that does not need air. The ball was unveiled on Saturday, during the dunk competition organized annually during the biggest basketball holiday – NBA All-Star Weekend.
The ball was used by KJ Martin, a Houston Rockets player, during his series of slam-dunks, in which he was accompanied by his father, Kenyon Martin, an NBA star from the 99/00s. The 3D Airless Prototype Basketball complies with most NBA basketball regulations in terms of weight, size and rebound, but unlike its traditional counterparts, it does not require pumping. The ball was made of a transparent mesh connected by eight panel-like panels. The 3D print was made in SLS technology on machines from the German company EOS, and smoothed and colored by DyeMansion. General Lattice was responsible for the project, working closely with employees of Wilson Labs in Chicago.
3D Airless Prototype Basketball pushes the boundaries of what is possible with additive technology, and a 3D printed ball is a similarly revolutionary solution as the printed car tires presented a few years ago. At the same time, Wilson emphasizes that there are no changes at this time to the official game ball used in the NBA, which will continue to consist of the same leather materials, eight-panel configuration and specifications.
Unfortunately, the 3D printed ball did not bring luck to KJ Martin himself, who was eliminated from the dunk contest in the first round. The winner was Mac McClung – a young (white!) Philadelphia 76ers player who used a traditional leather ball.
Source: www.prnewswire.com & www.wilson.com
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