Any good sportsman knows the value of a well-made ball for a game; a ball that has good quality is able to change the entire feel of the game, making the event much more enjoyable. This is why it is essential for sports balls producers to never compromise on the quality of the ball. However, there are some producers who wish to cut costs by not keeping a stern check on quality control- this is why quality control is essential to ensure that standards are maintained in sports balls.
Here are various types of sports balls that are most commonly mass-produced all over the world:
Sports balls which have a hard surface:
- Balls used for Golf
- Billiards or snooker balls
- The white and red balls for cricket
- Balls used in Ping Pong
Sports balls which have bladders/carcasses inside:
- Basketball balls
- Volleyball balls
- Rugby balls
- Soccer/Football balls
- American Football
The Inspection Process
Any good brand of sports balls that want to ensure a consistent standard of quality in its products employs a system of quality control and checks to make sure that the goods undergo pre-shipment inspection and distribution. The basic aim of this inspection is to make sure that defected goods do not make their way to consumers- which can lead to both a loss of reputation as well as sales in the form of exchange and return of the sports balls.
Keeping in mind that sports balls are commonly divided into two distinct categories- category one is made using a bladder/carcass, while the other category is with hard surfaces, the process of inspection for the two will also be different depending upon the differing nature of the two categories.
Hard sports- balls
Inspection of raw materials
The most common raw materials used to manufacturer hard surface sports balls are different types of plastics, different types of rubbers and some special materials/minerals. To check that the raw materials are free of any kind of defects and irregularities, the raw materials should be thoroughly inspected. This is because, without adequate raw materials, to begin with, no sport ball can achieve a high quality. it is thus important to make sure that any piece of raw material that shows any signs of substandard quality are set aside and not used in production.
Inspections during assembly
After the quality of raw materials has been ensured, they are moved on assembly lines. In order to be sure about quality parameters, inspectors try to look for defects early in the assembly process. If defects are found at initial stages, then they can be quickly fixed instead of having to go through a time consuming process during mass production of the balls.
Visual
Once the balls have been assembled they are examined in detail for any kind of irregularities such as holes, cracks, punctures or any other defects that may be present on the sports ball during the production process. Hard-surfaced sports balls are inspected for any signs of damage so that no substandard ball makes it to the next step of the production queue.
Inspecting the weight/measurements
The next step is for the balls to undergo weight testing and inspection to make sure that all of the balls produced in a batch have the same weight specifications as required by the buyer and indicated on the product number. Any sports ball that is seen to have a weight that does not fit into the specifications is supposed to be set aside and marked as defective. This defective piece will not be part of the final shipment and will be disposed of.
The final inspection
The final inspection process takes an overall thorough look at the balls to ensure, one more time, that they are free from any known defects and irregularities. No matter which kind of sports ball is being inspected, a unit test is most commonly conducted to ensure that the product is reliable and durable for long-term use. Once the sports balls pass the final stage of the inspection process, it implies that they are free from any sort of defects, fades or any other flaw that can impact their appearance or functionality.
Balls with a Carcass/Bladder
Inspection of the raw materials
Very similar to hard-surfaced sports balls, the raw material for these balls is also expected to be thoroughly examined to make sure that no defected material is used in the production. The most common raw material used for bladder/carcass-type balls are butyl rubber, nylon threads, polyesters, leather, and synthetic leather, as well as different kinds of rubbers- if these materials are not free from defects, the balls will not be of the quality that is required of them.
Assembly Inspection
The raw materials that have passed the previous stage of the inspection process are sent to the assembly lines where they are manufactured to form sports balls. At this stage of the inspection process is intended to verify that all of the raw materials are working together in harmony and not causing any sort of intrusions in the assembly line so that there will be no defects in the products. Even though the process of mass-producing sports balls tends to show defective products at the final stage, keeping a stern eye on the production process during this stage will help greatly to reduce the number of defective products or occurrences.
Inflation/deflation inspection
Because most of these balls are inflated with air. It is essential to make sure that there are no internal damages inside the sports balls. Otherwise they would lose their shape and functionality. In this stage, the balls will be inflated to their optimal intended levels. And then thoroughly examined for any signs of holes, punctures or air see pages at each seem to make certain that all of the inflatable sports balls are free from any defects that will cause them to be rejected. The goods that will deflate prior to the estimated time will be set aside and marked as defective. These will not proceed to the next stage of the inspection process.
Inspecting Visually
The balls will be examined in detail to make sure that there are no visible deformities. Such as any loose threads, extra pieces of rubber or any unintended patterns. The ball must conform exactly to the specifications provided, otherwise it will not be accepted by the buyer. Similar to the other stages of inspection. If the ball shows any signs of damage. In this stage they will be discarded and not sent for the next stage of the production process.
Weight and measurement inspection
This step is essential to make sure that the sports balls produced to comply with the specifications required. Of them in terms of the weight and measurements. These measurements will have to be in accordance with the product number. The sports balls will be weighed and measured in different dimensions. And any ball with irregular measurements will not pass this stage of the inspection process. They will be marked as defective and set aside from the rest of the batch.
The final inspection
The final stage is intended to pass the sports balls and mark them as acceptable for shipping and usage. The purpose of the final stage is to make sure that the balls are free from any known defects. And that they will perform according to the intended function. Without any defects: it should be safe and durable in usage. Any product that does not seem to fit the intended description. Of the ball will be marked as defective and set aside. It will not be a part of the final inspection.
What are the Quality control standards for different types of sports balls?
Different quality control standards have been designed to ensure. That consumers do not receive any substandard products. Owing to the fact there is a countless number of brands and options in the market to choose from. These quality control standards ensure the customers. That the balls are of good quality and will perform well for their game. Here are a few of the different quality control standards that consumers come across when shopping for sports balls:
For Golf balls it is the USGA Standards
This standard applies to golf balls manufactured and sold in the US. Consumers can be sure. That the ball will perform well and provide a level playing field for all players in the game.
The NFL standards for Footballs
This standard checks the different dimension measurements. And weight of the footballs to ensure that only good quality footballs are sold in the market.
For Basketballs the NBA standards
This standard adheres to the NBA standards and makes sure that basketballs have a specific weight and dimensions that are required for playing on official games.