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Unread 03-02-2009, 08:49
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Duckie THE Duct Tape Enthusiast
AKA: Andrea Tribo
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Actual Composition of Orbit Balls!

I attempted to make one ball... with polycarb. (or lexan... I'm not sure because it was a scrap from the work area) and it was way stiffer and heavier than an actual orbit ball. Since they are becoming near-to-impossible to find anywhere... and we are worried about using non-spec orbit balls because of their differences from real orbit balls...


I got a section of an actual orbit ball submitted for Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microscopy. The results are as follows...

Plastic Loops = Polypropylene
White Bit Inside of Fabric Layer = Polyester/Polyester-diisocyanate(urethane) like LycraŽ spandex
Outside of Fabric = Nylon (polyamide)

I have not done any in depth research yet, but it looks like you can buy sheets of polypropylene in the right thickness for orbit balls online.
Attached Files
File Type: doc Stiff clear bands.doc (23.5 KB, 106 views)
File Type: doc White fibers from green spongy mat'l.doc (23.0 KB, 78 views)
File Type: doc Green, spongy material.doc (24.5 KB, 81 views)
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