What are Ping Pong Balls Made Of? Your Questions Answered

Do you enjoy watching or playing table tennis? Have you ever wondered what materials are used to make table tennis balls? So, we're here to lead you through the process of making the most excellent ping pong balls.

Ping Pong Balls are made of a variety of materials. Celluloid, a component of nitrocellulose, and camphor are the main components of ping pong balls. Photographic films also employ the same substance. On the other hand, other balls are made of plastic polystyrene; while the poly balls are more ecologically friendly, the celluloid balls are less expensive and more durable.

Though celluloid balls are less expensive and more durable, they have drawbacks, such as being very explosive. Plastic balls, for example, have a diameter of 40+, but celluloid balls have a diameter of 40 printed on them. 

Steps in the Production of Ping Pong Balls

We now have a better understanding of what ping pong balls are made of. However, before it reaches the players, it must pass a series of tests to be considered competition-ready. There are six processes in the production of ping pong balls.

They begin by weighing the celluloid sheets, both flat and round, to ensure they keep the same weight after shaping. After that, they bathe them in alcohol to soften them. Finally, to make half of a ball, each flat sheet is pushed into a hemispherical mold.

After each semi-circle hardens, the second stage is edge trimming, which involves trimming the two halves of the balls along the edges to ensure that they are of the same size and are adequately linked.

Gluing is the final stage. The parts are put together using an alcohol-based adhesive once the edges have been cut and perfected. The balls are then placed in a machine to smooth the seams around them.

The following stage is to inspect the quality. The game-ready ball has no visible or feelable seams. Hand-testing is used to analyze and grade it, and the smoothness of the seams is meticulously examined.

A measuring machine also tests the balls for hardness, roundness, and weight. A device also fills the air within the ping pong balls.

The printer stamps the brand logo on the surface of the balls once the quality control check is completed. Packaging is the final stage. The ping pong balls are conveyed to the vendors in a cardboard box.

What is the Content of a Ping Pong Ball?

If you've ever wondered, "what are ping pong balls filled with," you should know that they're loaded with a mixture of photographic film, alcohol-based adhesives, and model glue.

Ping Pong Balls: Are They Toxic?

No, the celluloid used to produce the ping pong balls is not harmful. Because celluloid is used in many products, such as toys and jewelry, it is entirely safe.

What Causes Ping Pong Balls to Burn?

Celluloid is used to make ping pong balls, which are very flammable. It catches fire as soon as it comes into contact with a heat source.

Even though we are all familiar with ping pong balls, most of us have no idea how they are manufactured or what is within them. As a result, we have made every effort in this post to provide a concise overview of all you need to know about ping pong ball production.

Ping pong balls are not harmful to your health. However, avoid storing them in damp or sunny areas because they are readily combustible and can corrode metal surfaces in your home. We're confident that you've read this far and understand how these ping pong balls are manufactured.