Pool balls are used in billiard games. They can be made of many different materials, but they are most commonly made from phenolic. Phenolic resin is a mixture of formaldehyde and phenol. These two compounds can be trusted for their strength and resistance to scratches. The mixture is also extremely resistant to high temperatures. The resin will turn yellow and fade if exposed to the sun.
Wood was the first material used to make pool balls. These balls were strong, but they became crackly with age. Leo Baekeland a chemist invented a new, non-flammable plastic compound in the 19th Century. This material was known as bakelite, and soon replaced wood in making pool balls.
The creation of pool balls was an expensive process. It took a while to create the balls. To see the contents of the balls, you could cut them in half. The balls had to be moulded under high pressures.
Other inventors experimented with chemical substances to create pool balls after the first version of bakelite had been developed. These innovations are considered to be pioneering in the field of synthetic plastics.
Although phenolic resin can be used to make pool balls, it is more expensive than its polyester counterpart. The polyester alternative is the best choice for those who don't want pool balls that cost a lot. The polyester alternative will not keep its color as long as phenolic.
It takes approximately 23 days to make a phenolic ball. Every step of the manufacturing process has been thoroughly checked to ensure it is free of any impurities. Additionally, phenolic rubber balls can be stored at lower temperatures that polyester balls. They are therefore more durable and last longer.
Aramith is a leading manufacturer of phenolic resin pools balls. The phenolic resin pool balls from Aramith are extremely durable and can hold their shine for as long as 40 years. They are also more affordable than polyester balls. Aramith Premier offers superior resin technology and is the best option for those looking to upgrade to better quality balls.
Iszy is another manufacturer of pool balls. It uses a mixture of phenolic as well as polyester resin. These pool balls cost less than phenolic ones, but don't retain their shine as well. Polyester balls can also fade faster and leave burn marks on the table. However, they are still a great option for beginners.
Predator Arcos is another manufacturer, using a proprietary chemical compound that creates a variety of phenolic-resin balls. In addition, these balls are through-hardened, so they are more dense. If you are looking to spend less, the Iszy marble swirl set may be for you.
Many companies attempt to reproduce the ivory billiard balls experience. Unfortunately, ivory is no longer readily available. Modern pool balls use a mixture of formaldehyde-phenolic resin. The current market has approximately 85% phenolic pool ball.