See Step by Step How a Football is Constructed!
April 30, 2007
- After special tanning processes, the cowhide selected to be used for the football
is cut into a bend, which is the best and strongest part of the hide.
- The bend is then die-cut into panels. Using a hydraulically-driven clicking machine, an operator cuts four panels into the precise shape required at the same time. See diagram!
- Next, each panel goes through a skiving machine in order to reduce it to a predetermined thickness and weight.
- A synthetic lining is sewn to each panel. The lining, which is composed of three layers of cross-laid fabric firmly cemented together, prevents the panel from stretching or growing out of shape during use. The lining and panel are sewn together using an industrial size and strength version of a home sewing machine.
- A facing is then applied to those areas that will carry the lacing holes as well as the hole for the inflating needle. The holes are then punched.
- The four panels are sewn together by a hot-wax lock stitch machine to ensure that the seams are especially durable. Then, the ball is turned right side out.
- Next, a two-ply butyl rubber bladder is inserted, the ball is laced, and then it is inflated with a pressure of not less than 12.5 lb (6 kg) but no more than 13.5 lb (6.1 kg). After inflation, the ball is checked to ensure it conforms to all size and weight regulations.
- The ball is ready for branding with the manufacturer’s name and number.Â
ÂA two-ply butyl rubber bladder is inserted, the ball is laced, and then it is inflated with a pressure of not less than 12.5 lb (6 kg) but no more than 13.5 lb (6.1 kg). After inflation, the ball is checked to ensure it conforms to all size and weight regulations.
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- After final inspections, the balls are boxed and shipped to designated schools and ball clubs.
Since 1941, Wilson Sporting Goods Company, currently based in Chicago, Illinois, has been the official ballmaker for the National Football League (NFL). For all NFL games, the only sanctioned ball is a Wilson brand ball. The ball must measure 20.75-21.25 in (52.7-54 cm) around its middle (also called the girth, short axis, or belly); 27.75-28.5 in (70.5-72.4 cm) around its ends (the circumference, long axis); and 11-11.25 in (28-29 cm) from tip to tip (the length of the long axis). It also must weigh between 14-15 oz (397-425.25 g).
All balls designed for professional use are stamped with “NFL” on them for the National Football League and they also bear the signature of the League commissioner. A box containing 24 new balls is opened before each game; 12 balls are put into play during each half. After the game, the balls are used for practices.
Those balls that are used in the Super Bowl game also have the names of the participating teams along with the date and location of the game.
Future changes to the football are more likely to occur in the area of materials rather than design. The goal is to “create a better feel right out of the box.”Spaulding Sports Worldwide currently is working on a proprietary material to create a composite-covered football. Two of the benefits of a composite cover compared with a leather cover are that it does not retain as much water; and that it is not as susceptible to becoming hard due to cold weather.
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4 Responses to “See Step by Step How a Football is Constructed!”
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Cool I didn’t know that it was made out of cow hide!
Sup!?!
this is really really stupid. your all gay and need to get as life
this is really really stupid. your all gay and need to get a life