A billiard ball, also known as a cue ball, is a type of ball used in a variety of different cue sports. Some include carom billiards, pool, and even snooker. Different games require different cue balls, and they can vary from color, number, type, diameter, and pattern. The hardness of the ball, the friction coefficient and resilience are some very important ball qualities, since they play a huge role in the game play of various games.
The first cue balls invented were made out of wood, but then clay quickly took over and dominated for many years. Ivory cue balls were very popular for a long period of time, until it became realized that too many elephants were being slaughtered for material goods. Only about 8 balls could be made from each elephant, and the demand for cue balls was overwhelming. Because it became difficult to obtain ivory to make cue balls, another material had to be found.
Billiard Balls
John Wesley Hyatt invented cellulose nitrate, which is a composition material that became the first industrial plastic. This plastic was a good material at first, until problems in production occurred. Because the cellulose nitrate would sometimes explode during production, it became impractical and other methods were sought out.
Many other materials were tested for cue balls, including many synthetic materials and plastic compositions. Bakelite and Crystalate were both tested, but were not able to fill all of the requirements that a cue ball needed. Cue balls require a material that is resistant to cracking and chipping, especially since a pool cue can provide a great amount of pressure on a cue ball.
Saluc, which is a Belgium based manufacturing company, now manufactures cue balls out of phenolic resin. Aramith and Brunswick Centennial are two of the brand names that Saluc manufactures, and they create products ranging from sturdy cue balls to the balls inside of certain computer mice. Other companies use different products, such as polyester resin or acrylic to make cue balls, but all are able to stand up to the force that hits the cue balls.
Just like many other inventions, the cue ball took many years to be perfected. Even though there are many different types of cue balls available, everyone has their own preference as to which material they like to play with. Some are harder than others, while some seem more accurate. Manufacturing companies are always looking for ways to improve their products, and the material of cue balls may be changed if something stronger is developed.
The History Of The Cue Ball