The Indian company Vexma Technologies has produced a pickleball entirely using 3D printing for the first time. The basis for this is the Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) process from HP. The aim is to overcome the weaknesses of conventional production methods while improving the performance and sustainability of the product.
Traditionally, pickle balls are manufactured from thermoplastics using injection molding or rotational molding. Although these processes enable a high number of pieces to be produced, they often lead to uneven material distribution, which has a negative impact on durability and playing characteristics. In addition, classic balls generate a high level of noise on impact, which often leads to complaints in residential areas.
Vexma addresses these problems with a newly developed design and targeted choice of materials. The 3D-printed ball is made of nylon 12, a durable plastic that can be processed with particular precision using the MJF process. According to the company, the result is a ball with improved structural integrity, reduced noise and increased durability. Initial internal tests show that the product is significantly more resistant to cracks and deformation than conventional models.
Another feature of the 3D printed version is the finer surface structure, which enables more targeted spin and speed control. This allows both recreational and professional players to make better use of their technique. As the manufacturing process generates almost no material waste, there is also an ecological advantage over conventional methods.
The launch of the product is initially aimed at a premium target group. Despite higher production costs, Vexma emphasizes the long-term cost-effectiveness due to lower replacement requirements. For the industrial use of MJF technology in the sports sector, this is another application that shows how additive manufacturing can offer functional benefits beyond pure prototyping.
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