Soccer Ball Manufacturing
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1. Surface or cover (synthetic leather)
2. Internal Linings (Polyester or Cotton)
3. Bladder (Latex or Butyl)
The surface of soccer balls or coverings are made up from synthetic leather. There are many variations of leather used in the construction of soccer balls. They range from AI-2000, Japanese Cordley, Korean Ducksung, PU and Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC). Best soccer balls used in competition and by professionals are produced by using AI-2000, Cordley, Ducksung or PU synthetic leather. Promotional soccer balls or practice balls are usually constructed with Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC).
Material thickness plays a vital part in the quality of hand-sewn soccer balls. Multiple layers of lining are placed between the cover and the bladder. These layers are composed of polyester or cotton. Professional soccer balls usually have four layers of lining. Promotional or practice balls are often constructed with less layers of lining.
The bladder in a soccer ball holds the air. Compared to latex bladders, butyl bladders retain air for longer periods of time. Arguably the latex bladders provide better surface tension.
After the lamination process of the outer layer, the material is cut to 32 panels for each soccer ball. Commonly used soccer balls are made from 32 panels, however 18 panel balls are also available in the market. These 32 panels are are cut in the shape of hexagons and pentagons. There are 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons in an official size soccer ball. Professional and high quality balls are hand sown by expert craftsmen. These snitchers can produce between four to six high quality balls per day. Polyester threads are usually used to stitch soccer balls. The weight of an official size soccer ball is between 420-435 gms.
Soccer Balls Size Information
Soccer balls come in different sizes. To determine which size is right for you, please refer to the following section.
Size 5 Ages 12 and up (circumference of 27-28 inches)
Size 4 Ages 8 and 12 years (circumference of 25-26 inches)
Size 3 under 8 years (circumference of 23-24 inches)
Size 2 and 1 Promotional soccer balls
Soccer balls of sizes 1 & 2 are usually used for promotion purposes or in awards giving ceremonies. These balls are usually printed with advertisers logos to give away on tradeshows, fundraising or soccer sporting events.
Where Soccer Balls are Made
Pakistan is the largest supplier of hand stitched soccer balls in the world. It possesses experienced workforce of snitchers and craftsmen who have been doing this work for generations and are highly skilled in their craft. The famous city of Sialkot in Pakistan manufactures the bulk of soccer balls available in the world today.
When choosing a soccer ball it is very important to pay close attention to the quality of the material used and the reputation of the manufacturer. The famous brand names are usually more expensive since they have higher overhead costs associated with producing and marketing the soccer balls. Rubber soccer balls and machine made balls are cheaper as compared to hand stitched soccer balls. These days many soccer clubs and leagues use balls imprinted with their own club logo.