These balls combine a standard tennis‑ball core with a hydrophilic polyurethane coating that prevents water absorption while maintaining the required bounce and feel. The coating thickness is
These balls combine a standard tennis‑ball core with a hydrophilic polyurethane coating that prevents water absorption while maintaining the required bounce and feel. The coating thickness is controlled to 0.15 mm ± 0.02 mm, ensuring the ball remains playable after prolonged exposure to rain or high humidity.
Key dimensions and performance metrics are listed below.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 67.0 | mm |
| Weight | 58.0 | g |
| Coating thickness | 0.15 | mm |
| Rebound height (100 cm drop) | 120 | cm |
| Water absorption after 24 h immersion | <0.5 | % weight gain |
The core consists of a rubber compound formulated for a Shore A hardness of 55 ± 3, providing consistent deformation under impact. The felt covering is a nylon‑wool blend with a nominal pile height of 2.0 mm, treated with a fluoropolymer finish to enhance durability. The waterproof layer is a solvent‑free polyurethane applied via dip‑coating, cured at 80 °C for 2 minutes.

Production begins with injection molding of the core halves, followed by ultrasonic welding to achieve a seamless sphere. The felt is wrapped under controlled tension and bonded with a water‑based adhesive. After curing, each ball passes through a dip‑coating station where the polyurethane layer is deposited, then conveyed through a forced‑air oven for cross‑linking. Final inspection includes dimensional gauging and rebound testing on a calibrated rig.
The waterproof coating adds less than 0.5 % to the overall mass, preserving the standard bounce characteristics required for ITF‑approved play. Laboratory aging tests show no significant change in rebound height after 500 hours of UV exposure at 60 °C, indicating stable polymer cross‑linking under outdoor conditions.
Facilities that operate outdoor courts in regions with frequent rainfall benefit from reduced ball swelling and consistent playability. Training centers use these balls for extended drills where moisture would otherwise degrade standard balls, lowering replacement frequency. Tournament organizers select them for provisional matches when weather forecasts indicate intermittent showers.
Each batch undergoes statistical process control with a sample size of 30 balls per 10 000 produced. Measurements include diameter (±0.2 mm), weight (±0.5 g), rebound height (±3 cm), and water absorption (≤0.5 %). Balls failing any criterion are segregated for rework or scrap, ensuring outgoing lots meet the defined tolerances.
Clients may specify alternative felt colors (yellow, orange, or custom Pantone matches) without affecting the waterproof layer thickness. Core hardness can be adjusted between Shore A 50 and 60 to suit different playing surfaces. Packaging quantities range from 50‑ball polybags to 1000‑ball bulk cartons, with labeling options for barcodes or private‑brand logos.
Balls are packed in low‑density polyethylene bags with a moisture barrier, then placed in corrugated cartons rated for 30 kg stacking load. Cartons are sealed with pressure‑sensitive tape and palletized using stretch film to prevent shifting during transit. For overseas shipments, desiccant packs are included to maintain interior relative humidity below 40 %.
Diameter adjustments are limited to ±0.5 mm from the ITF standard to retain bounce compliance; larger deviations require requalification testing.
Required details include order quantity, felt color preference, any core hardness modification, packaging type, and desired delivery destination.
Coating thickness is measured using a non‑contact ultrasonic gauge on a random sample of 10 balls per lot; results are recorded against the 0.15 mm ± 0.02 mm specification.
Lead time ranges from 15 to 25 working days after receipt of confirmed purchase order, depending on order size and current schedule.
To request a formal quote or discuss technical requirements, please reach out via the contact form on our website or email the sales department directly.